Pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing pain

ABSTRACT

Methods and compositions are provided which comprise effective amounts of one or more analgesics, such as hydrocodone or acetaminophen, and an antiemetic, such as promethazine, to treat or prevent pain in a subject, and to reduce or prevent an adverse effect associated with the analgesics.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/206,955 filed Jul. 11, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/244,455, filed Apr. 3, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.9,433,625, which is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 12/967,423, filed Dec. 14, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,728,522, whichis a continuation-in-part application of International Application No.PCT/US2010/041433, filed Jul. 8, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/223,999, filed Jul. 8, 2009, and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/224,424, filed Jul. 9, 2009, each ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Available pain medications may have adverse effects, such as nausea,vomiting, and skin rashes and sedation. As a result of such adverseeffects, many subjects are unable to tolerate recommended dosages neededfor effective pain relief because of adverse effects. Accordingly, thereremains a need for effective therapeutics with reduced adverse effects.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specificationare herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if eachindividual publication or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition in theform of a bi-layer tablet comprising: an immediate release layercomprising: about 5 mgs to about 20 mgs of promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 75 mgs to about 150 mgsof silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 5 mgs to about 20 mgs ofcroscarmellose sodium, and about 0.2 mgs to about 5 mgs of magnesiumstearate; and a controlled release layer comprising: about 250 mgs toabout 400 mgs of acetaminophen, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, about 2 mgs to about 15 mgs of hydrocodone, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 100 mgs to about 250 mgsof silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 5 mgs to about 30 mgs ofhydroxy methyl propyl cellulose, about 0.5 mgs to about 5 mgs magnesiumstearate, and about 0.5 mgs to about 10 mgs stearic acid. In oneembodiment the immediate release layer comprises: about 12.5 mgs ofpromethazine HCL, about 121 mgs of silicified microcrystallinecellulose, about 15 mgs of croscarmellose sodium, and about 1 mg ofmagnesium stearate; and the controlled release layer comprises: about361 mgs of acetaminophen, about 8 mgs of hydrocodone bitartrate, about155 mgs of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 20 mgs ofhydroxy methyl propyl cellulose, about 2.75 mgs magnesium stearate, andabout 2.75 mgs stearic acid. In another embodiment, at least about 90%of the promethazine is released within the first 10 minutes. In anotherembodiment, at least about 90% of the promethazine is released withinthe first 5 minutes. In another embodiment, less than about 80% of theacetaminophen is released within the first 30 minutes. In anotherembodiment, less than about 80% of the hydrocodone is released withinthe first 30 minutes. In another embodiment, the bilayer tablet has ahardness of between about 7 and about 15 kp. In another embodiment, thebilayer tablet has a hardness of about 12 kp. In another embodiment, theimmediate release layer has a faster dissolution rate than thecontrolled release layer.

In another aspect, provided herein is a method of treating or preventingpain or discomfort in a subject in need thereof by administering apharmaceutical composition in the form of a bi-layer tablet comprising:an immediate release layer comprising: about 5 mgs to about 20 mgs ofpromethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 75 mgsto about 150 mgs of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 5 mgsto about 20 mgs of croscarmellose sodium, and about 0.2 mgs to about 5mgs of magnesium stearate; and a controlled release layer comprising:about 250 mgs to about 400 mgs of acetaminophen, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, about 2 mgs to about 15 mgs of hydrocodone, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 100 mgs to about 250mgs of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 5 mgs to about 30mgs of hydroxy methyl propyl cellulose, about 0.5 mgs to about 5 mgsmagnesium stearate, and about 0.5 mgs to about 10 mgs stearic acid. Inone embodiment, the subject experiences a reduction in a symptomassociated with the administration of hydrocodone. In anotherembodiment, the symptom associated with the administration ofhydrocodone is nausea, vomiting, gastric upset, skin rash or an allergicreaction. In another embodiment, the subject is 0-12 years old. Inanother embodiment, the subject is about age 65 or older. In anotherembodiment, the discomfort is a headache. In another embodiment, theheadache is a migraine headache, cluster headache, hemicrania continuaheadache, chronic headache, tension headache or chronic tensionheadache. In another embodiment, the discomfort is photophobia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a chromatograph for example of a standard solution.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a tablet of the invention. A.Illustrates a top view of the tablet (numerals refer to measurements inmillimeters); B. illustrates a side view of the tablet.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of chromatograph of a diluent blank andstandard solution.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a dissolution chromatograph foranalgesic composition F.2 of Example 13.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of dissolution release profile foranalgesic composition F.2 of Example 13.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the dissolution release profile foranalgesic compositions of Example 17.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the acetaminophen dissolution releaseprofiles for the analgesic compositions of Example 18.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the hydrocodone bitartrate dissolutionrelease profiles for the analgesic compositions of Example 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All patents and publications and referred to herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety.

The present invention is generally directed to compositions comprisingmultiple pharmaceutically active agents that are useful as therapeuticsthat alleviate, abate or eliminate one or more conditions in a subjectin need thereof, as further described herein below.

Exemplary Combinations

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed tocompositions comprising an effective amount of a combination of one ormore active agents. In some embodiments, the combination of one or moreactive agents is in a single formulation. Pharmaceutically active agentsdisclosed herein are capable of use in a composition of the invention.Moreover, upon reading the disclosure herein additional active agentsuseful in the present invention will be known to those of skill in theart.

In some embodiments, the invention is directed to the combination of aneffective amount of an opioid with an effective amount of least oneother active ingredient. Non-limiting examples of opioid analgesicagents useful in the present invention include hydrocodone, oxycodone,acetyldihydrocodeinone, diamorphine, codeine, pethidine, alfentanil,buprenorphine, butorphanol, codeine, dezocine, fentanyl, hydromorphone,levomethadyl acetate, levorphanol, meperidine, methadone, morphinesulfate, nalbuphine, oxymorphone, pentazocine, propoxyphene,remifentanil, sufentanil, tramadol, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof.

In some embodiments, the opioid analgesic agent is hydrocodone,oxycodone, propoxyphene, or fentanyl or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof. In various embodiments disclosed herein the opioidanalgesic agent is hydrocodone, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt orits thiosemicarbazone, p-nitrophenylhydrazone, o-methyloxime,semicarbazone, or bis (methylcarbamate). In further embodimentsdisclosed herein the opioid analgesic agent is oxycodone, apharmaceutically acceptable salt or its thiosemicarbazone,p-nitrophenylhydrazone, o-methyloxime, semicarbazone, orbis-methylcarbamate. In some embodiments the opioid analgesic ishydrocodone bitartrate.

In other embodiments, the invention is directed to a combination of aneffective amount of a triptan with an effective amount of at least oneother active agent. Non-limiting examples of triptans useful in thepresent invention include naratriptan, almotriptan, sumatriptan,zolmitriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan and rizatriptan. Invarious embodiments disclosed herein the triptan is sumatriptan or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In further embodimentsdisclosed herein the sumatriptan salt is sumatriptan succinate.

In some embodiments, the other active agent in combination with theopioid analgesic or triptan analgesic is a non-opioid analgesic.Non-limiting examples of non-opioid analgesics useful in the presentinvention include aspirin; acetaminophen; a non-steroidalanti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an arylalkanoic acid, a profen, afenamic acid, an oxicam, a pyrazolidine derivative; a Cox-2 inhibitor, alocal analgesic; an anti-depressant, an atypical analgesic, apsychotropic agent, an NMDA receptor antagonist, an α₂-adrenoreceptoragonists and a synthetic drug having narcotic properties. In variousembodiments disclosed herein the non-opioid analgesic agent isacetaminophen, naproxen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Non-limiting examples of NSAIDs include salicylates such as amoxiprin,benorilate, choline magnesium salicylate, diflunisal, faislamine, methylsalicylate, and magnesium salicylate. Non-limiting examples ofarylalkanoic acids include diclofenac, aceclofenac, acemetacin,bromfenac, etodolac, indometacin, nabumetone, sulindac, and tolmetin.Non-limiting examples of profens include ibuprofen, carprofen,fenbuprofen, flubiprofen, ketaprofen, ketorolac, loxoprofen, naproxen,and suprofen. Non-limiting examples of fenamic acids include mefenamicacid and meclofenamic acid. Non-limiting examples of oxicams includepiroxicam, lomoxicam, meloxicam and tenoxicam. Non-limiting examples ofpyrazolidine derivatives include phenylbutazone, azapropazone,metamizole, oxyphenbutazone, and sulfinprazone. Non-limiting examples ofCox-2 inhibitors include valdecoxib, celecoxib and rofecoxib.Non-limiting examples of analgesics include lidocaine and mexiletine.Non-limiting examples of anti-depressants include amitriptyline,carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin, amoxapine, clomipramine,desipramine, dosulepin, doxepin, imipramine, iprindole, lofepramine,nortriptyline, opipramol, protryptyline, and trimipramine. Non-limitingatypical analgesic include orphenadrine, cyclobenzaprine, scopolamine,atropine and gabapentin. A non-limiting example of a psychotropic agentis tetrahydrocannabinol. Non-limiting examples of NMDA receptorantagonists include ketamine, amantadine, dextromethorphan, dextrorphan,ibogaine, phencyclidine, riluzole, tiletamine, memantine, dizocilpine,patiganel and remacimide. A non-limiting example of a α₂-adrenoreceptoragonist is clonidine. A non-limiting example of a synthetic drug havingnarcotic properties is tramadol.

In some embodiments, the other active agent in combination with theopioid analgesic or triptan analgesic is an abuse deterrent agent.Non-limiting examples of abuse deterrent agents useful in the presentinvention include unalmefene, naloxone, niacin, and naltrexone.

In some embodiments, the other active agent in combination with theopioid analgesic or triptan analgesic is an antitussive. Non-limitingexamples of antitussives useful in the present invention includedextromethorphan, dextrorphan, noscapine, ethyl morphine, codeine,camphor, menthol, theobromine and guaifenesin.

In some embodiments, the other active agent in combination with theopioid analgesic or triptan analgesic is an antiemetic and/orantihistamine. Non-limiting examples of antiemetic agents useful in thepresent invention include aprepitant, dronabinol, perphenazine,palonosetron, trimethyobenzamide, metoclopromide, domperidone,prochlorperazine, promethazine, chlorpromazine, trimethobenzamide,ondansetron, granisetron, hydroxyzine, acetylleucine monoethanolamine,alizapride, azasetron, benzquinamide, bietanautine, bromopride,buclizine, clebopride, cyclizine, dimenhydrinate, diphenidol,dolasetron, meclizine, methallatal, metopimazine, nabilone, oxyperndyl,pipamazine, scopolamine, sulpiride, tetrahydrocannabinol,thiethylperazine, thioproperazine, tropisetron, droperidol, haloperidol,prochloperazine, metoclopramide, diphenhydramine, cannabis, midazolam,lorazepam, hyoscine, dexamethasone, emetrol and propofol.

In some embodiments, another active agent in combination with the opioidanalgesic or triptan analgesic is a barbiturate active agent.Non-limiting examples of barbiturate agents useful in the presentinvention include allobarbital, alphenal, amobarbital, aprobarbital,barbexaclone, barbital, brallobarbital, butabarbital, butalbital,butobarbital, butallylonal, crotylbarbital, cyclobarbital, cyclopal,ethallobarbital, febarbamate, heptabarbital, hexethal, hexobarbital,mephobarbital, metharbital, methohexital, methylphenobarbital,narcobarbital, nealbarbital, pentobarbital, primidone, probarbital,propallylonal, proxibarbal, proxibarbital, reposal, secbutabarbital,secobarbital, sigmodal, talbutal, thialbarbital, thiamylal,thiobarbital, thiobutabarbital, thiopental, valofane, vinbarbital,vinylbital, 1,3-dimethoxymethyl 5,5-diphenyl-barbituric acid (DMMDPB),1-monomethoxymethyl 5,5-diphenylbarbituric acid (MMMDPB) and adiphenyl-barbituric acid (DPB), including any of their precursors,derivatives and analogs or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, another active agent in combination with the opioidanalgesic or triptan analgesic is an antihistamine. Non-limitingexamples of antihistamines useful in the present invention include H1agonists, H1 antagonists, H2 agonists, H2 antagonists, H3 agonists, H3antagonists, H4 agonists and H4 antagonists. A specific example of an H1agonist or partial agonist is 2-(m-fluorophenyl)-histamine. Examples ofH1 antagonists include chlorpheniramine, scopolamine, mepyramine,terfenadine, astemizole, and triprolidine. Other antagonists, which maybe further classified by their chemical structures, include theethanolamines carbinoxamine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, anddoxylamine; the ethylaminediamines pyrilamine and tripelennamine; thepiperazine derivatives dydroxyzine, cyclizine, fexofenadine andmeclizine; the alkylamines brompheniramine and chlorpheniramine; andmiscellaneous antagonists cyproheptadine, loratadine, cetrizine.Examples of H2 agonists include dimaprit, impromidine, and amthamine.Examples of H2 antagonists include cimetidine, ranitidine, nizatidine,and famotidine. Examples of H3 agonists include R-alpha-methylhistamine,imetit, and immepip. Examples of H3 antagonists include thioperamide,iodophenpropit, and clobenpropit. Examples of H4 agonists includeclobenpropit, imetit, and clozapine. A specific example of an H4antagonist is thioperamide.

In various specific embodiments of the invention, the antihistamine ispromethazine, dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, tropisetron,palonosetron, domperidone, droperidol, haloperidol, chlorpromazine,prochloperazine, metoclopramide, alizapride, cyclizine, diphenhydramine,dimenhydrinate, meclizine, hydroxyzine, cannabis, dronabinol, nabilone,midazolam, lorazepam, hyoscine, dexamethasone, trimethobenzamide,emetrol, or propofol.

In some embodiments, another active agent in combination with the opioidanalgesic or triptan analgesic is an H1 blocker. Examples of H1 blockersuseful in the present invention include azelastine, brompheniramine,buclizine, carbinoxamine, cetrizine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine,cyclizine, cyproheptadine, desloratidine, dimenhydrinate,diphenhydramine, emedastine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, ketotifen,levocabastine, loratadine, meclizine, olopatadine, phenindamine, andpromethazine.

In some embodiments, another active agent in combination with the opioidanalgesic or triptan analgesic is a stimulant agent. Non-limitingexamples of stimulant agents useful in the present invention includeaminophylline, caffeine, dyphlline, oxitriphylline, theophhylline,amphetamine, benzphetamine, dextroamphetamine, diethylpropion, mazindol,methamphetamine, methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate, pemoline,sibutramine, modafinil, atomoxetine, phendimetrizine, phenteramine,adrafinil, phenylpropanolamine, psuedoephedrine, synephrine,amphetaminil, furfenorex, or a combination thereof. In variousembodiments disclosed herein the stimulant agent provides ananti-sedative effect.

In some embodiments, another active agent in combination with the opioidanalgesic or triptan analgesic is an amphetamine. Non-limiting examplesof amphetamines useful in the present invention include methamphetamine,levoamphetamine, dextroamphetamine, 3,5-methyloxy amphetamine,2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylthioamphetamine,2,5-dimethoxy-4-ethylthioamphetamine,2,5-dimethoxy-4-(i)-propylthioamphetamine,2,5-dimethoxy-4-phenylthioamphetamine,2,5-dimethoxy-4-(n)-propylthioamphetamine, Brolamfetamine,2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine,2,5-Dimethoxy-4-butyl-amphetamine,3,4-Dimethyl-2,5-dimethoxyamphetamine, 2-Phenylethylamine,propylamphetamine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, ethylamphetamine,MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine), MDEA(3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine), PMA (p-methoxyamphetamine), DMA(2-(2,4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-1-methyl-ethylamine), benzphetamine, 4-FMP(para-fluoroamphetamine), and 4-MTA (4-Methylthioamphetamine).

In some embodiments, another active agent in combination with the opioidanalgesic or triptan analgesic are beta blockers, serotonin receptoragonists, vasoconstrictors, anti-platelet agents, anti-consultants,triptans, ergots, or calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptorantagonists.

Non-limiting examples of a beta blockers useful in the present inventioninclude acebutolol, arotinolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol,butoxamine, carvedilol, carteolol, esmolol, carteolol, carvedilol,labetalol, levobunolol, mepindolol, metoprolol, nebivolol, nadolol,oxprenolol, penbutolol, propranolol, pindolol, sotalol, and timolol. Insome specific embodiments, the beta blocker is propranolol.

Non-limiting examples of serotonin receptor agonists useful in thepresent invention include buspirone, mescaline, psilocybin, cisapride,triptans, and lysergic acid diethylamide.

Non-limiting examples of vasoconstrictors useful in the presentinvention include isometheptene mucate, amphetamines, antihistamines,cocaine, caffeine, pseudoephedrine, ergine, methylphenidate, psilocybin,and stimulants, including amphakines or other drugs effective toglutagatergic AMPA receptors and benzoylpiperidine derivatives.

Non-limiting examples of anti-platelet agents useful in the presentinvention include acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel, ticlopidine,cilostazol, abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban defibrotide anddipyridamole.

Non-limiting examples of anti-convulsants useful in the presentinvention include topiramate, divaprex, phenobarbital,methlyphenobarbital, metharbital, barbexaclone, stiripentol, clobazam,clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, midazolam, lorazepam, nitrazepam,temazepam, nimetazepam, potassium bromide, felbamate, carbamazepine,oxcarbazepine, vigabatrin, progabide, tiagabine, gabapentin, prgabalin,ethotoin, phenytoin, mephenytoin, fosphenytoin, paramethadione,trimethadione, ethadione, beclaminde, primidone, brivaracetam,levetiracetam, seletracetam, ethsuximide, phesuximide, mesuximide,acetazolamide, sulthiame, methazolamide, zonisamide, lamotrigine,pheneturide, phenacemide, valpromide, and valnoctamide.

Non-limiting examples of calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptorantagonists useful in the present invention include MK-0974, CGRP8-37,BIBN 4096 BS, quinine, nitrobenzamide, 4-oxobutanamides, cyclopropanederivatives, and benzimidazolinyl piperidines.

Non-limiting examples of ergots useful in the present invention includeergotamine, methysergide, and zonisamide.

Each agent disclosed herein and used in the present invention can beused in the form of a free base, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, aprodrug, an analog and/or a complex. As used herein, a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt includes, but is not limited to, metal salts, such assodium salts, potassium salts, and lithium salts; alkaline earth metals,such as calcium salts, magnesium salts, and the like; organic aminesalts, such as triethylamine salts, pyridine salts, picoline salts,ethanolamine salts, triethanolamine salts, dicyclohexyl amine salts,N,N′-dibenzylethylenediamine salts, and the like; inorganic acid saltssuch as hydrochloride salts, hydrobromide salts, sulfate salts,phosphate salts, and the like; organic acid salts such as formate salts,acetate salts, trifluoroacetate salts, maleate salts, tartrate salts,and the like; sulfonate salts such as methanesulfonate salts,benzenesulfonate salts, p-toluenesulfonate salts, and the like; andamino acid salts, such as arginate salts, asparginate salts, glutamatesalts, and the like.

In addition, pharmaceutically acceptable salts include bitartrate,bitartrate hydrate, hydrochloride, p-toluenesulfonate, phosphate,sulfate, trifluoroacetate, bitartrate hemipentahydrate,pentafluoropropionate, hydrobromide, mucate, oleate, phosphate dibasic,phosphate monobasic, acetate trihydrate, bis(heptafuorobutyrate),bis(pentafluoropropionate), bis(pyridine carboxylate),bis(trifluoroacetate), chlorhydrate, and sulfate pentahydrate.

Other representative pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, e.g.,water-soluble and water-insoluble salts, such as the acetate,amsonate(4,4-diaminostilbene-2,2-disulfonate), benzenesulfonate,benzonate, bicarbonate, bisulfate, bitartrate, borate, butyrate, calciumedetate, camphorsulfonate, camsylate, carbonate, citrate, clavulariate,dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fiunarate,fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate,hexafluorophosphate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydrobromide,hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isothionate, lactate,lactobionate, laurate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate,methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate,N-methylglucamine ammonium salt, 3-hydroxy-2-naphthoate, oleate,oxalate, palmitate, pamoate (1,1-methene-bis-2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate,einbonate), pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, picrate,polygalacturonate, propionate, p-toluenesulfonate, salicylate, stearate,subacetate, succinate, sulfate, sulfosalicylate, suramate, tannate,tartrate, teoclate, tosylate, triethiodide, and valerate salts. Ahydrate is another example of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

In various specific embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, thecomposition comprises an effective amount of each of an opioid analgesicagent and a non-opioid analgesic agent, where the opioid analgesicagent/non-opioid analgesic agent is codeine/acetaminophen,codeine/aspirin, codeine/naproxen, codeine/ibuprofen,hydrocodone/acetaminophen, hydrocodone/ibuprofen, hydrocodone/naproxen,hydrocodone/aspirin, oxycodone/acetaminophen, oxycodone/aspirin,oxycodone/naproxen, oxycodone/ibuprofen, propoxyphene/aspirin,propoxyphene/ibuprofen, propoxyphene/acetaminophen, orpropoxyphene/naproxen, wherein the opioid analgesic agent or non-opioidanalgesic agent is optionally in the form of a or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof. In various specific embodiments, thehydrocodone salt is hydrocodone bitartrate, the oxycodone salt isoxycodone HCl, and the naproxen salt is naproxen Na or Mg.

In other specific embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, thecompositions described in the above paragraph further comprises aneffective amount of one or more of an opioid antagonist agent, abusedeterrent agent, a barbiturate agent a stimulant agent or an antiemeticagent.

In various specific embodiments of the invention described herein, thecomposition comprises an effective amount of at least two analgesics andan effective amount of one or more additional pharmaceutically activeagents. In a specific embodiment of this aspect of the invention, thecomposition further comprises an effective amount of an antihistamine orantiemetic.

In various embodiments of the invention describe herein, the compositionof the invention comprises an effective amount of each of an opioidanalgesic agent, a non-opioid analgesic agent and an active agent usefulfor reducing or eliminating adverse effects, such as an antihistamine oran antiemetic, as described herein.

In other embodiments, the composition comprises an effective amount ofeach of an opioid agent; a non-opioid agent; a barbiturate agent andoptionally an antiemetic.

In various embodiments of the invention described herein, thecompositions comprise an effective amount of two, three, four, five, sixor more of the active agents described herein. In various specificembodiments of the invention described herein at least one of the activeagents is an antiemetic or antihistamine. In other embodiments, thecomposition does not comprise promethazine or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of promethazine.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises aneffective amount of each of hydrocodone or oxycodone, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, modafinil or caffeine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and optionally promethazine ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In other embodiments, the composition comprises an effective amount ofeach of an opioid agent; a barbiturate agent; a stimulant agent; andoptionally a non-opioid agent. In some embodiments the compositionfurther comprises an effective amount of an antiemetic.

In yet other embodiments, the composition comprises an effective amountof each of an opioid agent; and a barbiturate agent. In anotherembodiment a composition comprises an effective amount of a non-opioidagent; a barbiturate agent; and an antiemetic.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises an effective amount ofeach of a non-opioid agent; a barbiturate agent; and a stimulant agent.In some embodiments the composition further comprises an antiemetic.

In another embodiment a composition comprises an effective amount of abarbiturate agent and an effective amount of a stimulant agent. In someembodiments the composition further comprises an effective amount of anantiemetic.

In another embodiment a composition comprises an effective amount of anon-opioid agent and an effective amount of a stimulant agent. In someembodiments the composition further comprises an effective amount of anantiemetic.

In some embodiments the composition comprises an analgesic agent (e.g.,one analgesic or two, three or more analgesics) and a second agent(e.g., one, two or more of an antihistamine or antiemetic) that reducesor eliminates an adverse effect of an analgesic agent.

In one embodiment, a composition comprise, an effective amount of anopioid analgesic agent, an effective amount of non-opioid analgesicagent, and an effective amount of an agent that reduces or eliminates anadverse effect of an analgesic agent.

Exemplary Dosage Amounts

In various embodiments of the invention described herein, thecomposition comprises multiple active agents at the same or differentdosages. In some embodiments, the analgesic components may vary indosages as further described herein, and the antihistamine or antiemeticdosage can be adjusted according to the particular analgesics used.

As those of skill in the art would recognize, the dosages andconcentrations of active agents useful in the compositions describedherein may be varied to achieve the effect desired. For example, thedosages administered can be adjusted based on the mode ofadministration, on the timing of administration and may be formulated tobe administer once a day or for multiple administrations daily. Inaddition, dose levels can vary depending on the subject and/or conditionbeing treated, the administration route used, as a function of thespecific compound, as a function of the severity of the symptoms and/orthe susceptibility of the subject to adverse effects.

In specific embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, each activeagent in the composition is administered in a dosage of about 0.01 mg to500 mg per kg body weight per day, e.g. about 20 mg/day for an averageperson. In some embodiments, dosage for each active agent in thecomposition is from about 0.01 to 5 mg, 1 to 10 mg, 5 to 20 mg, 10 to 50mg, 20 to 100 mg, 50 to 150 mg, 100 to 250 mg, 150 to 300 mg, 250 to 500mg, 300 to 600 mg or 500 to 1000 mg.

An “effective amount” of when used in connection with compositiondescribed herein is an amount sufficient to produce a therapeutic resultin a subject in need thereof. For example a therapeutic result caninclude, but is not limited to, treating or preventing pain, nausea orvomiting by a subject.

An “effective amount” when in used in connection with one or more of theagents disclosed herein is the total amount of one or more of the agentsthat is useful for the treatment of pain.

The term “about” means the referenced numeric indication plus or minus10% of that referenced numeric indication.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with an opioid analgesicagent alone or in combination is an amount that is effective fortreating or preventing pain, wherein the antagonist agent is provided incombination with one or more pharmaceutically active agents disclosedherein. In one embodiment, the one or more pharmaceutically active agentis an antiemetic. In specific embodiments, the opioid analgesic agent ispresent in a dose of about 1.0 mg to about 100 mgs, including any singleinteger within this range.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with a triptan alone or incombination is an amount that is effective for treating or preventing aheadache, including but not limited to, migraine headaches and/orcluster headaches, wherein the triptan is provided in combination withone or more pharmaceutically active agents disclosed herein. In variousembodiments the one or more pharmaceutically active agent is anantiemetic. In various embodiments, the triptan is present in a dose ofabout 1.0 mg to about 100 mgs, including any single integer within thisrange. In specific embodiments, the triptan is sumatriptan and presentin a dose of about 20 mg to about 60 mg, including any single integerwithin this range.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with a non-opioidanalgesic agent alone or in combination is an amount that is effectivefor treating or preventing pain, wherein the non-opioid analgesic agentis provided in combination with one or more pharmaceutically activeagents disclosed herein. In some embodiments the one or morepharmaceutically active agents include but are not limited to opioidanalgesic agents and antiemetic agents. In various embodiments, thenon-opioid analgesic agent is present in a dose from about 200 mgs toabout 1000 mgs, including in the amount of any single integer withinthis range. In various specific embodiments of the invention, thenon-opioid analgesic is acetaminophen and is present in an amountbetween about 200 mg to about 1000 mgs, including in the amount of anysingle integer within this range.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with an antiemetic agentis an amount that is effective for preventing or reducing or eliminatingone or more adverse effects associated with one or more pharmaceuticallyactive agent disclosed herein. In various embodiments, the one or morepharmaceutically active agent includes but is not limited to an opioidanalgesic and/or a non opioid analgesic. In further embodiments, suchadverse effects which are reduced, prevented or eliminated include butare not limited to incidence of nausea or vomiting. In various specificembodiments, the antiemetic is present in a dose from about 0.5 mg toabout 200 mgs, including in the amount of any single integer within thisrange. In other embodiments of the invention the antiemetic is presentin the amount of about 0.5 mg to about 60 mg, including in the amount ofany single integer within this range. In specific embodiments, theantiemetic is promethazine or a salt thereof and is present in an amountof from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mgs, including any single integerwithin that range.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with an antihistamine isan amount that is effective for preventing or reducing the incidence ofnausea or vomiting, or preventing or reducing adverse effects associatedwith an opioid analgesic (e.g., opioid-induced nausea and vomiting). Insome embodiments of the invention described herein, the compositioncomprises an antihistamine at a lower dosage than that which theantihistamine is administered alone. In one embodiment, theantihistamine is provided in the composition at a dosage to preventsedation, which may be observed with relatively higher dosages ofpromethazine or a salt thereof. Therefore, the antihistamine is providedat a dosage that is effective for reducing adverse affects associatedwith the opioid analgesic or non-opioid analgesic, but is at a relativelow enough dosage to prevent sedation associated with the antihistamineor antiemetic.

In various specific embodiments, the antihistamine is present in a dosefrom about 0.5 mg to about 200 mgs, including in the amount of anysingle integer within this range. In other embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein, the antihistamine is present in the range of at about0.5 mg to about 60 mg, including in the amount of any single integerwithin this range. In specific embodiments, the antihistamine ispromethazine or a salt thereof and is present in an amount of from about0.5 mg to about 200 mgs, including any single integer within that range.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with a stimulant agent isan amount that is effective to increase alertness, or lessen soporificeffects of an opioid agent, wherein the stimulant agent is present in adosage formulation alone or in combination with one or morepharmaceutically active agent disclosed herein. In some embodiments, theone or more pharmaceutically active agents the stimulant is used incombination with include but are not limited to an antiemetic agent anda barbiturate. In specific embodiments of the invention, the stimulantis present at a dose of about 1 mg to 350 mg, about 5 mg to 25 mg, about10 mg to 50 mg, about 25 to 100 mg, about 50 to 150 mg, about 100 mg to250 mg, or about 75 mg to 350 mg, including in the amount of any singleinteger within these ranges.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with a barbiturate agentis an amount that is effective for treating or preventing pain,producing a sedative effect, anesthetic effect or calming effect whenprovided alone or in combination with one or more pharmaceuticallyactive agent disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the one or morepharmaceutically active agent the barbiturate agent is used incombination with includes but is not limited to an opioid analgesic, anon-opioid analgesic, antiemetic or combination thereof. In variousspecific embodiments the barbiturate is present at a dose of about 1 mgto about 350 mg, about 5 mg to 25 mg, about 10 mg to 50 mg, about 25 to100 mg, about 50 to 150 mg, about 100 mg to 250 mg, or about 75 mg to350 mg, including in the amount of any single integer within theseranges.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with an adverse-effectagent or an opioid antagonist agent is an amount that is effective forreducing, preventing, eliminating or inhibiting or more of: (1) thecapacity of the opioid analgesic agent to produce the kind of physicaldependence in which withdrawal causes sufficient distress to bring aboutdrug-seeking behavior; (2) the ability to suppress withdrawal symptomscaused by withdrawal from the opioid analgesic agent; and (3) theinduction of euphoria; when provided alone or in combination with one ormore pharmaceutically active agent disclosed herein. Adverse-effectagents useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to,opioid antagonists. When there is a potential for an overdose, then anantidote of the opioid analgesic agent can be used as the adverse-effectagent.

Examples of adverse-effect-reducing active agents useful in the presentinvention include but are not limited to promethazine, dolasetron,granisetron, ondansetron, tropisetron, palonosetron, domperidone,droperidol, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, prochloperazine,metoclopramide, alizapride, cyclizine, diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate,meclizine, hydroxyzine, cannabis, dronabinol, nabilone, midazolam,lorazepam, hyoscine, dexamethasone, trimethobenzamide, emetrol andpropofol.

Example of opioid antagonists that can be used as an adverse-effectagent include, but are not limited to, naloxone, naltrexone, nalmefene,cyclazacine, levallorphan, or a salt thereof, and mixtures thereof. Invarious embodiments, the one or more pharmaceutically active agentincludes but is not limited to an opioid agent, a non opioid analgesic,a stimulant, a barbiturate, or a combination thereof. In certainspecific embodiments, the opioid antagonist is naloxone, naltrexone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with an abuse deterrentagent is an amount that is effective for deterring non-palliative ornon-therapeutic use.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with an antitussive is anamount that is effective for relieving or suppressing coughing.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with an H1 blocker is anamount that is effective for mediating a histamine response.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with an amphetamine is anamount that is effective for producing increased wakefulness or focus,or decreasing fatigue.

An “effective amount” when used in connection with a beta blocker,serotonin receptor agonist, basoconstrictor, anti-platelet agent,anti-convulsant and/or calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) receptorantagonist is an amount that is effective for reducing pain ordiscomfort.

In some specific embodiments useful in the present invention, the opioidagent and the opioid antagonist are present in a ratio of opioidantagonist to opioid agent (analgesic) which is analgesically effectivewhen the combination is administered orally, but which is aversive in aphysically dependent subject. In this manner, the combination product(antagonist/agonist) could in essence be therapeutic to one population(patients in pain), while being unacceptable (aversive) in a differentpopulation (e.g., physically dependent subjects) when orallyadministered at the same dose or at a higher dose than the usuallyprescribed dosage, e.g., about 2-3 times the usually prescribed dose ofthe opioid. Thus, the oral dosage form has less potential for parenteralas well as oral abuse.

In some specific embodiments of the invention described herein, theopioid is hydrocodone or oxycodone or a salt thereof and the antagonistis naltrexone or a salt thereof, and the ratio of naltrexone or a saltthereof to hydrocodone or a salt thereof is from about 0.02-0.35:1 byweight, and in some embodiments from about 0.05-0.2:1 by weight. In oneembodiment the ratio of naltrexone or a salt thereof is in an amountfrom about 0.5 to about 4 mg per 15 mg of hydrocodone or a salt thereof.In another embodiment the ratio of naltrexone or a salt thereof is in anamount from about 0.75 mg to about 3 mg per 15 mg hydrocodone or a saltthereof. In another example where the opioid antagonist is naltrexone ora salt thereof and the opioid agent is hydromorphone or a salt thereof,the ratio of naltrexone or a salt thereof to hydromorphone or a saltthereof can be from about 0.14:1 to about 1.19:1, or from about 0.222:1to about 0.889:1. In another example where the opioid antagonist isnaltrexone or a salt thereof and the opioid agent is oxycodone or a saltthereof, the ratio of naltrexone or a salt thereof to oxycodone or asalt thereof is about 0.03:1 to about 0.3:1, or from about 0.056:1 toabout 0.222:1.

In some embodiments, an opioid antagonist is administered in an amount(i) which does not cause a reduction in the level of analgesia elicitedfrom the dosage form upon oral administration to a non-therapeutic leveland (ii) which provides at least a mildly negative, “aversive”experience in physically dependent subjects (e.g., precipitatedabstinence syndrome) when the subjects attempt to take at least twicethe usually prescribed dose at a time (and often 2-3 times that dose ormore), as compared to a comparable dose of the opioid without the opioidantagonist present. In certain embodiments, an amount of naltrexone or asalt thereof is included in the oral dosage form and is less positivelyreinforcing (e.g., less “like”) to a non-physically dependent opioidaddict than a comparable oral dosage form without the antagonistincluded. In specific embodiments, the composition provides effectiveanalgesia when orally administered.

In embodiments of the present invention in which the opioid analgesic ishydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the extendedrelease oral dosage forms may include analgesic doses from about 4 mg toabout 60 mg of hydrocodone or a salt thereof per dosage unit. In acontrolled release oral dosage forms where hydromorphone or a saltthereof is therapeutically active opioid, it can be included in anamount from about 2 mg to about 64 mg hydromorphone hydrochloride.

In various embodiments of the present invention where the opioidanalgesic is oxycodone, the controlled release oral dosage forms includefrom about 2.5 mg to about 800 mg oxycodone HCL. Alternatively, thedosage form may contain molar equivalent amounts of other salts of theopioids useful in compositions described herein.

In some embodiments of the invention described herein, the compositioncomprises an opioid analgesic agent, acetaminophen or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof and promethazine or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof. In some specific embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein, the composition comprises the respective agents (1)opioid analgesic agent; (2) acetaminophen or a salt thereof; (3)promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a ratio byweight of about (1 to 2):(40 to 45):(1 to 2). For example, in a specificembodiment of the invention comprising hydrocodone or oxycodone or asalt thereof, acetaminophen or a salt thereof and promethazine or a saltthereof, the ratio of amounts for each active agent is about(1):(43.33):(1.67).

In various specific embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, thecomposition comprises about 6-8 mg of hydrocodone or a salt thereof,310-330 mg of acetaminophen, and 5-13 mg of promethazine or a saltthereof.

In some specific embodiments of the invention described herein, thecomposition comprises about 1% to 20% by weight of an antihistamine;about 10% to 80% by weight a non-opioid analgesic; and from about 1% to20% by weight of an opioid analgesic.

In other specific embodiments of the invention, the compositioncomprises an effective amount of: an opioid analgesic; an antiemetic orantihistamine; and a stimulant. In these embodiments the antiemetic orantihistamine is present in an amount of about 0.5 mg to about 60 mg. Inspecific embodiments, the antiemetic or antihistamine is promethazine ora salt thereof.

In various embodiments, the composition comprises: an effective amountof an opioid analgesic agent; an antiemetic or antihistamine agent; anda stimulant agent or a non-opioid agent, or both. In some specificembodiments each agent is present in an amount of about 0.5 mg to 20 mg,about 5 mg to 30 mg, or about 10 mg to 100 mg.

In various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, thecomposition comprises: an effective amount of an opioid analgesic, astimulant and optionally an antiemetic or antihistamine. In somespecific embodiments the relative ratio by weight of each is about (1 to2):(40 to 45):(1 to 2).

In some embodiments the composition comprises an effective amount of anopioid; a non-opioid agent; and a barbiturate. In some specificembodiments, the opioid agent is present in a range of about 1 mg toabout 200 mg, including in the amount of any single integer within thisrange; the non-opioid agent is present in a range of between about 200mg to about 1000 mg, including in the amount of any single integerwithin this range; and the barbiturate is present at a dose betweenabout 0.5 mg to about 200 mg, including in the amount of any singleinteger within this range.

In various embodiment of the invention described herein, the compositioncomprises an effective amount of a barbiturate agent; a non-opioidagent; and a stimulant agent. In some specific embodiments thebarbiturate agent is present in a range of about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg,including in the amount of any single integer within this range; thenon-opioid agent is present in a range of between about 200 mg to about1000 mg, including in the amount of any single integer within thisrange; and the stimulant agent is present at a dose from about 0.5 mg toabout 200 mg including in the amount of any single integer within thisrange.

In various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, thecomposition comprises an effective amount of a barbiturate and astimulant. In some specific embodiments the composition comprises astimulant at a dose of about 1 mg to about 350 mg, about 5 mg to 25 mg,about 10 mg to 50 mg, about 25 to 100 mg, about 50 to 150 mg, about 100mg to 250 mg, or about 75 mg to 350 mg, including in the amount of anysingle integer within these ranges. In these specific embodiments, thebarbiturate agent is present in a range of about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg,including in the amount of any single integer within this range.

In various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, thecomposition comprises an effective amount of a non-opioid agent and astimulant. In specific embodiments the non-opioid agent is present in arange of between about 200 mg to about 1000 mg, including in the amountof any single integer within this range.

In various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, thecomposition comprises an effective amount of propoxyphene or a saltthereof and a non-opioid agent. In some embodiments the compositionfurther comprises an antiemetic. In some embodiments the compositionfurther comprises a stimulant agent. In specific embodiments thepropoxyphene is present in a range of about 1.0 mg to about 100 mg,including in the amount of any single integer within this range and thenon-opioid agent is present in a range of about 200 mg to about 1000 mg,including in the amount of any single integer within this range.

In one embodiment, the compositions comprise: hydrocodone, oxycodone, ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in a dosage range of fromabout 1.0 mg to about 200 mg; acetaminophen or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof in a dosage range of from about 200 mg to about1000 mg; and, promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereofin a dosage range of from about 0.5 mg to about 100 mg.

In another embodiment, a compositions comprises: oxycodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a dosage range of from about10 mg to about 80 mg; Naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof in a dosage range of from about 0.5 mg to about 0.75 mg; and,promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a dosagerange of from about 12.5 mg to about 50 mg.

In yet another embodiment, the compositions comprises: oxycodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a dosage range of from about10 mg to about 80 mg; and promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof in a dosage range of from about 12.5 mg to about 50 mg.These compositions can be formulated to provide for an extended timerelease over a desired dosage interval, such as between 4 hours and 24hours, including at any time within this range. In another embodiment,the compositions comprise about 7.5 mg of hydrocodone, about 325 mg ofacetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and about12.5 mg of promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In another specific embodiment, the compositions comprise about 7.5 mgof oxycodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 325 mgof acetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, andabout 12.5 mg of promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.

Exemplary Routes of Administration

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a composition of theinvention can be administered using one or more different dosage formswhich are further described herein. For example, a compositioncomprising multiple active agents can be administered in solid,semi-solid, micro-emulsion, gel, patch or liquid form. Such dosage formsare further described herein. Examples of such dosage forms are known inthe art. For example, the tablet forms disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.3,048,526, 3,108,046, 4,786,505, 4,919,939, 4,950,484; the gel formsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,904,479, 6,482,435, 6,572,871, 5,013,726;the delivery patches disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,741,510, 4,624,665,4,626,539, 4,834,978, 6,469,227, 5,919,479, 6,261,595, 6,303,142,6,341,387, 6,465,006, 6,613,350, 6,780,426, 7,094,228, 6,756,053; thecapsule forms disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,800,083, 4,532,126,4,935,243, 6,258,380; the liquid forms disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,625,494, 4,478,822, 5,610,184; and the I.V. forms disclosed in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,871,353, 4,925,444, 5,484,406; each of which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

In various embodiments, the active agents are formulated to beadministered through oral dosage forms (e.g., tablets, capsules, gels,lollipops), inhalations, nasal sprays, patches, absorbing gels, liquids,liquid tannates, suppositories, injections, I.V. drips, other deliverymethods, or a combination thereof to treat subjects. Administration maybe performed in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to orally,subcutaneously, intravenously, intranasally, intraotically,transdermally, topically (e.g., gels, salves, lotions, creams, etc.),intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, intrapulmonary (e.g., AERx®inhalable technology commercially available from Aradigm, or Inhance,pulmonary delivery system commercially available from InhaleTherapeutics), vaginally, parenterally, rectally, or intraocularly.

Each dosage form comprises an effective amount of an active agent andcan optionally comprise pharmaceutically inert agents, such asconventional excipients, vehicles, fillers, binders, disintegrants, pHadjusting substances, buffer, solvents, solubilizing agents, sweeteners,coloring agents and any other inactive agents that can be included inpharmaceutical dosage forms for oral administration. Examples of suchvehicles and additives can be found in Remington's PharmaceuticalSciences, 17th edition (1985). Suitable additives useful in the presentinvention include, but are not limited to, diluents, disintegrants,binders, surfactants, lubricants, glidants, coating materials,plasticizers, coloring agents, flavoring agents, or pharmaceuticallyinert materials. Examples of these additives are provided herein.

To prepare the compositions of the present invention, an effectiveamount of active agents can be mixed with a suitable pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier. Upon mixing of the compounds, the resultingcomposition can be a solid, a half-solid, a solution, suspension, or anemulsion. Such compositions can be prepared according to methods knownto those skilled in the art. The forms of the resulting compositions candepend upon a variety of factors, including the intended mode ofadministration and the solubility of the compounds in the selectedcarrier or vehicle. The effective concentration of analgesics issufficient for lessening or alleviating pain.

The dosage forms described herein can be manufactured using processesthat are well known to those of skill in the art. For example, for themanufacture of bi-layered tablets, the agents can be dispersed uniformlyin one or more excipients, for example, using high shear granulation,low shear granulation, fluid bed granulation, or by blending for directcompression. Excipients include diluents, binders, disintegrants,dispersants, lubricants, glidants, stabilizers, surfactants andcolorants. Diluents, also termed “fillers”, can be used to increase thebulk of a tablet so that a practical size is provided for compression.Non-limiting examples of diluents include, but are not limited to,lactose, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, dry starch,hydrolyzed starches, powdered sugar, talc, sodium chloride, silicondioxide, titanium oxide, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium sulfate,calcium carbonate, alumina or kaolin. Binders can impart cohesivequalities to a tablet formulation and can be used to help a tabletremain intact after compression. Non-limiting examples of suitablebinders include starch (including corn starch and pregelatinizedstarch), gelatin, sugars (e.g., glucose, dextrose, sucrose, lactose andsorbitol), celluloses, polyethylene glycol, waxes, natural and syntheticgums, e.g., acacia, tragacanth, sodium alginate, and synthetic polymerssuch as polymethacrylates and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Lubricants can alsofacilitate tablet manufacture; non-limiting examples thereof includemagnesium stearate, calcium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate,and polyethylene glycol. Disintegrants can facilitate tabletdisintegration after administration, and non-limiting examples thereofinclude starches, alginic acid, cross linked polymers such as, e.g.,cross linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, croscarmellose sodium, potassium orsodium starch glycolate, clays, celluloses, starches, gums and the like.Non-limiting examples of suitable glidants include silicon dioxide, talcand the like. Stabilizers can inhibit or retard drug decompositionreactions, including oxidative reactions. Surfactants can also includeand can be anionic, cationic, amphoteric or nonionic. If desired, thetablets can also comprise nontoxic auxiliary substances such as pHbuffering agents, preservatives, e.g., antioxidants, wetting oremulsifying agents, solubilizing agents, coating agents, flavoringagents, and the like.

Controlled-release formulations can comprise one or more combination ofexcipients that slow the release of the agents by coating or temporarilybonding or decreasing their solubility of the active agents. Examples ofthese excipients include cellulose ethers such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (e.g., Methocel K4M) or silicified microcrystalline cellulose;polyvinylacetate-based excipients such as, e.g., Kollidon SR; polymersand copolymers based on methacrylates and methacrylic acid such as,e.g., Eudragit NE 30D; croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stereate orstearic acid.

Immediate-release formulations can comprise one or more combination ofexcipients that allow for a rapid release of a pharmaceutically activeagent (such as from 1 minute to 1 hour after administration), such as ananti-emetic or an antihistamine. In one embodiment an immediate releaseexcipient can be hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, silicifiedmicrocrystalline cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodiumcarboxymethyl cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, corn starch, colloidalsilica, Sodium Laurel Sulphate, Magnesium Stearate, stearic acid,Prosolve SMCC (HD90), croscarmellose Sodium, Crospovidone NF, AvicelPH200, or combinations of such excipients.

In one embodiment of the invention, the opioid analgesic or non-opioidagents (e.g., hydrocodone or oxycodone or a salt thereof, andacetaminophen or a salt thereof) are formulated for extended orcontrolled-release while the promethazine or a salt thereof isformulated for immediate release. In another embodiment, all agents areformulated for extended or controlled-release.

Pharmaceutical carriers or vehicles suitable for administration of thecompounds provided herein include all such carriers known to thoseskilled in the art to be suitable for the particular mode ofadministration. In addition, the compositions can one or more componentsthat do not impair the desired action, or with components thatsupplement the desired action, or have another action. As noted above,the compositions can comprise additional (e.g., a fourth, fifth, sixth,etc.) additional active agents.

In one embodiment, the compositions comprise three or morepharmaceutically active agents wherein at least one active agent isformulated in an immediate release form. In this embodiment theimmediate-release form can be included in an amount that is effective toshorten the time to its maximum concentration in the blood. By way ofexample, certain immediate-release pharmaceutical preparations aretaught in United States Patent Publication US 2005/0147710A1 entitled,“Powder Compaction and Enrobing” which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference.

In another embodiment diluents suitable for use in the present inventioninclude, for example, cellulose; cellulose derivatives such asmicrocrystalline cellulose and the like; starch; starch derivatives suchas corn starch, cyclodextrin and the like; sugar; sugar alcohol such aslactose, D-mannitol and the like; inorganic diluents such as driedaluminum hydroxide gel, precipitated calcium carbonate, magnesiumaluminometasilicate, dibasic calcium phosphate and the like.

In another embodiment of binders suitable for use in the preventinvention include, for example, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose,hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, povidone, dextrin, pullulane,hydroxypropyl starch, polyvinyl alcohol, scacia, agar, gelatin,tragacanth, macrogol and the like.

In another embodiment of surfactants suitable for use in the presentinvention include, for example, sucrose esters of fatty acids, polyoxylstearate, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyoxyethylenepolyoxypropylene glycol, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan trioleate,sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan monolaurate,polysorbate, glyceryl monostearate, sodium lauryl sulfate, lauromacrogoland the like.

In another embodiment of lubricants suitable for use in the presentinvention include, for example, stearic acid, calcium stearate,magnesium stearate, talc and the like.

In another embodiment of glidants suitable for use in the presentinvention include, for example, dried aluminum hydroxide gel, magnesiumsilicate and the like.

In another embodiment of coating materials suitable for use in thepresent invention include, for example, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose2910, aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E, polyvinylacetaldiethylaminoacetate, macrogol 6000, titanium oxide and the like.Examples of plasticizers useful in the present invention include, forexample, triethyl citrate, triacetin, macrogol 6000 and the like.

Exemplary Oral Formulations

In one embodiment the invention relates to methods and compositionsformulated for oral delivery to a subject in need. In one embodiment acomposition is formulated so as to deliver one or more pharmaceuticallyactive agents to a subject through a mucosa layer in the mouth oresophagus. In another embodiment the composition is formulated todeliver one or more pharmaceutically active agents to a subject througha mucosa layer in the stomach and/or intestines.

In one embodiment compositions are provided in modified release dosageforms. Suitable modified release dosage vehicles include, but are notlimited to, hydrophilic or hydrophobic matrix devices, water-solubleseparating layer coatings, enteric coatings, osmotic devices,multi-particulate devices, and combinations thereof. The compositionsmay also comprise non-release controlling excipients.

In another embodiment compositions are provided in enteric coated dosageforms. These enteric coated dosage forms can also comprise non-releasecontrolling excipients. In one embodiment the compositions are in theform of enteric-coated granules, as controlled-release capsules for oraladministration. The compositions can further comprise cellulose,disodium hydrogen phosphate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose,lactose, mannitol, or sodium lauryl sulfate. In another embodiment thecompositions are in the form of enteric-coated pellets, ascontrolled-release capsules for oral administration. The compositionscan further comprise glycerol monostearate 40-50, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymertype C, polysorbate 80, sugar spheres, talc, or triethyl citrate.

In another embodiment the compositions are enteric-coatedcontrolled-release tablets for oral administration. The compositions canfurther comprise carnauba wax, crospovidone, diacetylatedmonoglycerides, ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellosephthalate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, sodium hydroxide, sodiumstearyl fumarate, talc, titanium dioxide, or yellow ferric oxide.

In another embodiment the compositions can further comprise calciumstearate, crospovidone, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide,mannitol, methacrylic acid copolymer, polysorbate 80, povidone,propylene glycol, sodium carbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, titaniumdioxide, and triethyl citrate.

In another embodiment compositions are provided in effervescent dosageforms. These effervescent dosage forms can also comprise non-releasecontrolling excipients.

In another embodiment compositions can be provided in a dosage form thathas at least one component that can facilitate the immediate release ofan active agent, and at least one component that can facilitate thecontrolled release of an active agent. In a further embodiment thedosage form can be capable of giving a discontinuous release of thecompound in the form of at least two consecutive pulses separated intime from 0.1 up to 24 hours. The compositions can comprise one or morerelease controlling and non-release controlling excipients, such asthose excipients suitable for a disruptable semi-permeable membrane andas swellable substances.

In another embodiment compositions are provided in a dosage form fororal administration to a subject, which comprise one or morepharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers, enclosed in anintermediate reactive layer comprising a gastric juice-resistantpolymeric layered material partially neutralized with alkali and havingcation exchange capacity and a gastric juice-resistant outer layer.

The compositions provided herein can be in unit-dosage forms ormultiple-dosage forms. Unit-dosage forms, as used herein, refer tophysically discrete units suitable for administration to human ornon-human animal subjects and packaged individually. Each unit-dose cancontain a predetermined quantity of an active ingredient(s) sufficientto produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with therequired pharmaceutical carriers or excipients. Examples of unit-dosageforms include, but are not limited to, ampoules, syringes, andindividually packaged tablets and capsules.

Unit-dosage forms may be administered in fractions or multiples thereof.A multiple-dosage form is a plurality of identical unit-dosage formspackaged in a single container, which can be administered in segregatedunit-dosage form. Examples of multiple-dosage forms include, but are notlimited to, vials, bottles of tablets or capsules, or bottles of pintsor gallons. In another embodiment the multiple dosage forms comprisedifferent pharmaceutically active agents.

The compositions may also be formulated as a modified release dosageform, including immediate-, delayed-, extended-, prolonged-, sustained-,pulsatile-, controlled-, extended, accelerated- and fast-, targeted-,programmed-release, and gastric retention dosage forms. These dosageforms can be prepared according to known methods and techniques (see,Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra; Modified-ReleaseDrug Delivery Technology, Rathbone et al., Eds., Drugs and thePharmaceutical Science, Marcel Dekker, Inc.: New York, N.Y., 2002; Vol.126, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

Exemplary Bilayer Tablets

In some embodiments, the invention described herein relates tomulti-layer tablets, such as bi-layer tablets. In specific embodiments,the bi-layer tablet comprises an immediate-release layer and acontrolled-release layer. A non-limiting example of a bilayer tablet ofthe invention is depicted in FIG. 2. In various embodiments, the tabletcan be rectangular, tubular, oblong (e.g., FIG. 2), circular, oval or ina capsule form. In various embodiments, the immediate-release layerand/or the controlled-released layer include one or morepharmaceutically active agents.

In various embodiments, the bilayer tablet of the invention has ahardness of between about 7 and about 15 kilaponds (kp). In variousembodiments, the bilayer tablet has a hardness of a single integerbetween 7 and 15 kp. In some embodiments, the bilayer table has ahardness of between about 7.1 and about 10 mm. In various embodiments,the bilayer tablet has a hardness of a single integer between 7.1 and 10mm.

In one embodiment, the bi-layer tablet comprises an immediate-releaselayer and a controlled-release layer. In various embodiments, theimmediate-release layer or the controlled-released layer comprises oneor more pharmaceutically active agents. In one embodiment, a bilayertablet of the invention has a hardness of about 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.4, 7.5,7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9,9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 10, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4,10.5, 10.6, 10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 11.6,11.7, 11.8, 11.9, 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, 13, 13.1, 13.2,13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.6, 13.7, 13.8, 13.9, 14, 14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4,14.5, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, 14.9, or 15 kilaponds (kp). In one embodiment,the bilayer tablet has a hardness of about 9.5 kp. In a furtherembodiment, a bilayer tablet of the invention has a thickness of about5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4,6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9,8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4,9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9 or 10 mm. It will be understood that as to thekilapond and thickness measurements, increments of 0.1 decimal pointsare within the scope of the invention.

In various embodiments, a bilayer tablet provides an effective amount ofone or more pharmaceutically active agents for about 4-6 hours followingoral administration. In some embodiment, the bilayer tablet provides aneffective amount of at least one active agent for about 12 hours, about24 hours or about 48 hours following administration. In variousembodiments, the one or more pharmaceutically active agents provided in4-6 hour, 12 hour, 24 hour or 48 hour dosing intervals. Therefore, abilayer tablet of the invention is capable of providing any of the oneor more pharmaceutically active agents disclosed herein in the foregoingdosing intervals.

In one embodiment, a composition comprises promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and about 70 to about 80% ofthe promethazine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof dissolvesin the stomach of a subject after about 5 to about 10 minutes followingoral administration. In one embodiment, the promethazine is promethazineHCl.

In one embodiment, a composition comprises hydrocodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and about 30 to about 60% ofthe hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof dissolves inthe stomach of a subject after about 5 to about 10 minutes followingoral administration.

In one embodiment, the hydrocodone salt is hydrocodone bitartrate. Inone embodiment, a composition comprises acetaminophen or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and 50% to about 70% of theacetaminophen or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof dissolves inthe stomach of a subject after about 5 to about 10 minutes followingoral administration.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, hydrocodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and acetaminophen or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and at least 90% of thepharmaceutically active agents in the composition dissolve in thestomach of a subject after about 45 minutes following oraladministration. In one embodiment, the composition is a bilayer tabletcomprising an immediate-release layer and a controlled-release layer.

In one embodiment, the immediate release layer comprises promethazine ora pharmaceutically acceptable salt as the only pharmaceutically activeagent. In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer compriseshydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and acetaminophen or apharmaceutically acceptable salt as the only pharmaceutical ingredients.

In yet another embodiment, the controlled release layer comprises anopioid analgesic or a non-opioid analgesic as the only pharmaceuticallyactive agent. In another embodiment, the controlled release layercomprises an opioid analgesic and a non-opioid analgesic as the onlypharmaceutically active agents. In another embodiment the immediaterelease layer comprises an antiemetic or a stimulant as the onlypharmaceutically active agent. In another embodiment the immediaterelease layer comprises an antiemetic and a stimulant as the onlypharmaceutically active agents.

Immediate-Release Layer

Immediate-release refers to the release of an active agent substantiallyimmediately upon administration. In one embodiment, immediate-releaseresults in dissolution of an agent within 1-20 minutes after enteringthe stomach. Dissolution can be of all or less than the entire amount ofthe active agent. For example, dissolution of 100% of an agent(antihistamine or antiemetic) can occur in the prescribed time.Alternatively, dissolution of less than all of the agent can occur inabout 1 minute to about 20 minutes (e.g., dissolution of about 70%,about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%,about 99.5% or 99.9% of an agent).

In one embodiment, the immediate-release layer is capable of releasingabout 70 to about 80% of the one or more pharmaceutically active agentcontained therein in the stomach of a subject in about 5 to about 10minutes following oral administration. In one embodiment, theimmediate-release layer is capable of releasing about 90 to about 100%of one or more pharmaceutically active agent contained therein in thestomach of a subject in about 40 minutes.

In one embodiment, the one or more pharmaceutically active agent in theimmediate-release layer is an antiemetic. In one embodiment, theantiemetic is promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. In another embodiment, the antiemetic is promethazine HCl.

In one embodiment, an immediate-release layer comprises two or moreagents, including an anti-emetic and a stimulant.

In some embodiment, the immediate-release layer comprises one or moreexcipients, including but not limited to silicified microcrystallinecellulose (e.g., HD90), croscarmellose sodium (CS, e.g. AC-Di-Sol™),magnesium stearate. In one embodiment, the total layer weight of theimmediate-release layer is from about 100 to about 300 mg, such as about110 mg, about 120 mg, about 130 mg, about 140 mg, about 150 mg, about160 mg, about 170 mg, about 180 mg, about 190 mg, about 200 mg, about210 mg, about 220 mg, about 230 mg, about 240 mg, about 250 mg, about260 mg, about 270 mg, about 280 mg, about 290 mg, or about 300 mg.

In one embodiment, the immediate-release layer comprises from about 75mg to about 150 mg of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, from about10 mg to about 20 mg croscarmellose sodium, from about 0.5 mg to 2 mgmagnesium stearate. In yet a further embodiment, the immediate-releaselayer comprises from about 10 to about 15 mg promethazine, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another embodiment, theimmediate-release layer comprises about 12.5 mg promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another embodiment, thepharmaceutically acceptable salt is promethazine HCl. In anotherembodiment, the immediate-release layer comprises one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosedherein.

In one embodiment, the immediate-release layer comprise about 12.5 mgpromethazine HCl, about 121.5 mg silicified microcrystalline cellulose,about 15 mg croscarmellose sodium, and about 1 mg magnesium stearate.

In one embodiment, a composition comprising an effective amount of eachof hydrocodone bitartrate, acetaminophen and promethazine HCl is capableof dissolving in the stomach of a subject so that an effective plasmaconcentration of each of pharmaceutically active ingredient is presentin a subject in from about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes.

Controlled-Release Layer

In one embodiment, the controlled-release layer is capable of releasingabout 30 to about 40% of the one or more pharmaceutically active agentcontained therein in the stomach of a subject in about 5 to about 10minutes following oral administration. In another embodiment, thecontrolled-release layer is capable of releasing about 90% of the one ormore pharmaceutically active agents are released in about 40 minutesafter oral administration.

In some embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises one or moreexcipients, including but not limited to silicified microcrystallinecellulose (e.g., HD90), croscarmellose sodium (CS; e.g., AC-Di-Sol), orMagnesium stearate. In one embodiment, the total layer weight of thecontrolled-release layer is from about 100 to about 300 mg, such asabout 110 mg, about 120 mg, about 130 mg, about 140 mg, about 150 mg,about 160 mg, about 170 mg, about 180 mg, about 190 mg, about 200 mg,about 210 mg, about 220 mg, about 230 mg, about 240 mg, about 250 mg,about 260 mg, about 270 mg, about 280 mg, about 290 mg, or about 300 mg.

In one embodiment, a controlled-release layer comprises from about 75 mgto about 250 mg of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, from about 10mg to about 40 mg hydroxyl methyl propyl cellulose, from about 0.5 mg to5 mg magnesium stearate, and from about 0.5 mg to about 5 mg stearicacid.

In another embodiment, a controlled-release layer comprises from about75 mg to about 250 mg of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, fromabout 10 mg to about 40 mg hydroxyl methyl propyl cellulose, from about0.5 mg to 5 mg magnesium stearate, from about 5 mg to about 25 mg ofcroscarmellose sodium and from about 0.5 mg to about 5 mg stearic acid.In another embodiment, a controlled-release layer comprises from about120 mg to about 170 mg of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, fromabout 12 mg to about 20 mg hydroxyl methyl propyl cellulose, from about2 mg to 3.5 mg magnesium stearate, from about 8 mg to about 12 mg ofcroscarmellose sodium and from about 2 mg to about 3.5 mg stearic acid.In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises one ormore additional pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/orcarriers disclosed herein.

In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises about 152mg silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 20 mg hydroxyl methylpropyl cellulose, about 2.75 mg magnesium stearate, about 2.75 stearicacid, about 7.5 mg hydrocodone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof and about 325 mg acetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof. In yet a further embodiment, the controlled-release layercomprises from about 5 mg to about 12.5 mg hydrocodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In one embodiment, thecontrolled-release layer comprises about 7.5 mg hydrocodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another embodiment, theopioid analgesic is oxycodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt isoxycodone HCl. In another embodiment, the pharmaceutically acceptablesalt for hydrocodone is hydrocodone bitartrate. In another embodiment,the controlled-release layer comprises one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosedherein.

In one embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises about 149.5 mgsilicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15.5 mg hydroxyl methylpropyl cellulose, about 2.7 mg magnesium stearate, about 2.7 stearicacid, about 7.5 mg hydrocodone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, about 10 mg croscarmellose sodium, and about 325 mgacetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In yet afurther embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises from about 5mg to about 12.5 mg hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. In one embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises about7.5 mg hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Inanother embodiment, the opioid analgesic is oxycodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutically acceptable salt is oxycodone HCl. In anotherembodiment, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt for hydrocodone ishydrocodone bitartrate. In another embodiment, the controlled-releaselayer comprises one or more additional pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosed herein.

In yet a further embodiment, the controlled-release layer furthercomprises from about 250 mg to about 402 mg acetaminophen or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In one embodiment thecontrolled-release layer comprises about 325 mg acetaminophen or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment, the immediate-release layer comprises promethazineHCl and the controlled-release layer comprises hydrocodone bitartrate.In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer further comprises anon-opioid analgesic (e.g., acetaminophen).

In one embodiment, the one or more pharmaceutically active agents of thecontrolled-release layer is an opioid analgesic. In one embodiment, theopioid analgesic is hydrocodone or oxycodone; or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof. In one embodiment, the immediate-release layeris about 150 mg in total layer weight and the controlled-release layeris about 550 mg total weight.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprisesabout 325 mg acetaminophen, about 7.5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, about152 mg silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 20 mg hydroxylmethyl propyl cellulose (HPMC), about 2.75 mg magnesium stearate, andabout 2.75 mg stearic acid; and the immediate-release layer comprisesabout 12.5 mg promethazine HCl, about 121 mg silicified microcrystallinecellulose, about 15 mg croscarmellose sodium, and about 1 mg magnesiumstearate. In another embodiment, one or both of the immediate-releaselayer and the controlled-release layer comprises one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosedherein.

In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises about 325mg acetaminophen, about 7.5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, about 149.5 mgsilicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15.5 mg hydroxyl methylpropyl cellulose (HPMC), about 10 mg croscarmellose sodium, about 2.7 mgmagnesium stearate, and about 2.7 mg stearic acid; and theimmediate-release layer comprises about 12.5 mg promethazine HCl, about121.5 mg silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15 mgcroscarmellose sodium, and about 1 mg magnesium stearate. In anotherembodiment, one or both of the immediate-release layer and thecontrolled-release layer comprises one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosedherein.

In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises about 325mg acetaminophen, about 7.5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, about 149.5 mgsilicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15.6 mg hydroxyl methylpropyl cellulose (HPMC), about 10 mg croscarmellose sodium, about 2.7 mgmagnesium stearate, and about 2.7 mg stearic acid; and theimmediate-release layer comprises about 12.5 mg promethazine HCl, about121.5 mg silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15 mgcroscarmellose sodium, and about 1 mg magnesium stearate. In anotherembodiment, one or both of the immediate-release layer and thecontrolled-release layer comprises one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosedherein.

In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises about 325mg acetaminophen, about 7.5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, about 149.5 mgsilicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15.7 mg hydroxyl methylpropyl cellulose (HPMC), about 10 mg croscarmellose sodium, about 2.7 mgmagnesium stearate, and about 2.7 mg stearic acid; and theimmediate-release layer comprises about 12.5 mg promethazine HCl, about121.5 mg silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15 mgcroscarmellose sodium, and about 1 mg magnesium stearate. In anotherembodiment, one or both of the immediate-release layer and thecontrolled-release layer comprises one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosedherein.

In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises about 325mg acetaminophen, about 7.5 mg hydrocodone bitartrate, about 149.5 mgsilicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15.8 mg hydroxyl methylpropyl cellulose (HPMC), about 10 mg croscarmellose sodium, about 2.7 mgmagnesium stearate, and about 2.7 mg stearic acid; and theimmediate-release layer comprises about 12.5 mg promethazine HCl, about121.5 mg silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15 mgcroscarmellose sodium, and about 1 mg magnesium stearate. In anotherembodiment, one or both of the immediate-release layer and thecontrolled-release layer comprises one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosedherein.

In another embodiment, a controlled release layer comprises about 0.1 mgto about 20 mg of HPMC, including in the amount of any single integerwithin this range. In another embodiment a controlled release layercomprises about 15 mg to about 16 mg of HPMC. In another embodiment acontrolled release layer comprises about 15.5 mg of HPMC. In anotherembodiment a controlled release layer comprises about 15.6 mg of HPMC.In another embodiment a controlled release layer comprises about 15.7 mgof HPMC. In another embodiment a controlled release layer comprisesabout 15.8 mg of HPMC. In one embodiment the HPMC is Hypromellose 2906(e.g., Hypromellose 2906 F), Hypromellose 2910 (Hypromellose 2910 E3),or Hypromellose 2208 (Hypromellose 2208 K4). In another embodiment theHPMC is Hypromellose 2208 (Hypromellose 2208 K4).

In another embodiment, a controlled release layer comprises about 0.1 mgto 20 mg of croscarmellose sodium, including in the amount of any singleinteger within this range. In another embodiment a controlled releaselayer comprises about 9 mg to about 11 mg of croscarmellose sodium. Inanother embodiment a controlled release layer comprises about 9.9 mg ofcroscarmellose sodium. In another embodiment a controlled release layercomprises about 10 mg of croscarmellose sodium. In another embodiment acontrolled release layer comprises about 10.1 mg of croscarmellosesodium. In another embodiment a controlled release layer comprises about10.2 mg of croscarmellose sodium.

In another embodiment, a controlled release layer comprises about 0.1mg, 0.2 mg, 0.3 mg, 0.4 mg, 0.5 mg, 0.6 mg, 0.7 mg, 0.8 mg, 0.9 mg, 1mg, 1.1 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.3 mg, 1.4 mg, 1.5 mg, 1.6 mg, 1.7 mg, 1.8 mg, 1.9mg, 2 mg, 2.1 mg, 2.2 mg, 2.3 mg, 2.4 mg, 2.5 mg, 2.6 mg, 2.7 mg, 2.8mg, 2.9 mg, 3 mg, 3.1 mg, 3.2 mg, 3.3 mg, 3.4 mg, 3.5 mg, 3.6 mg, 3.7mg, 3.8 mg, 3.9 mg, 4 mg, 4.1 mg, 4.2 mg, 4.3 mg, 4.4 mg, 4.5 mg, 4.6mg, 4.7 mg, 4.8 mg, 4.9 mg, 5 mg, 5.1 mg, 5.2 mg, 5.3 mg, 5.4 mg, 5.5mg, 5.6 mg, 5.7 mg, 5.8 mg, 5.9 mg, 6 mg, 6.1 mg, 6.2 mg, 6.3 mg, 6.4mg, 6.5 mg, 6.6 mg, 6.7 mg, 6.8 mg, 6.9 mg, 7 mg, 7.1 mg, 7.2 mg, 7.3mg, 7.4 mg, 7.5 mg, 7.6 mg, 7.7 mg, 7.8 mg, 7.9 mg, 8 mg, 8.1 mg, 8.2mg, 8.3 mg, 8.4 mg, 8.5 mg, 8.6 mg, 8.7 mg, 8.8 mg, 8.9 mg, 9 mg, 9.1mg, 9.2 mg, 9.3 mg, 9.4 mg, 9.5 mg, 9.6 mg, 9.7 mg, 9.8 mg, 9.9 mg, 10mg, 10.1 mg, 10.2 mg, 10.3 mg, 10.4 mg, 10.5 mg, 10.6 mg, 10.7 mg, 10.8mg, 10.9 mg, 11 mg, 11.1 mg, 11.2 mg, 11.3 mg, 11.4 mg, 11.5 mg, 11.6mg, 11.7 mg, 11.8 mg, 11.9 mg, 12 mg, 12 mg, 12.1 mg, 12.2 mg, 12.3 mg,12.4 mg, 12.5 mg, 12.6 mg, 12.7 mg, 12.8 mg, 12.9 mg, 13 mg, 13.1 mg,13.2 mg, 13.3 mg, 13.4 mg, 13.5 mg, 13.6 mg, 13.7 mg, 13.8 mg, 13.9 mg,14 mg, 14.1 mg, 14.2 mg, 14.3 mg, 14.4 mg, 14.5 mg, 14.6 mg, 14.7 mg,14.8 mg, 14.9 mg, 15 mg, 15.1 mg, 15.2 mg, 15.3 mg, 15.4 mg, 15.5 mg,15.6 mg, 15.7 mg, 15.8 mg, 15.9 mg, 16 mg, 16.1 mg, 16.2 mg, 16.3 mg,16.4 mg, 16.5 mg, 16.6 mg, 16.7 mg, 16.8 mg, 16.9 mg, 17 mg, 17.1 mg,17.2 mg, 17.3 mg, 17.4 mg, 17.5 mg, 17.6 mg, 17.7 mg, 17.8 mg, 17.9 mg,18 mg, 18.1 mg, 18.2 mg, 18.3 mg, 18.4 mg, 18.5 mg, 18.6 mg, 18.7 mg,18.8 mg, 18.9 mg, 19 mg, 19.1 mg, 19.2 mg, 19.3 mg, 19.4 mg, 19.5 mg,19.6 mg, 19.7 mg, 19.8 mg, 19.9 mg or 20 mg of croscarmellose sodium

In one embodiment, a stimulant is present in the immediate-releaselayer, controlled-release layer or both layers; the immediate-releaselayer comprises one or more antiemetic or antihistamines; and thecontrolled-release layer comprises one or more non-opioid analgesics. Inaddition, either layer of the bi-layered tablet can comprise one or moreanti-abuse agents disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, a bilayer tablet of the invention comprises acontrolled-release layer comprising one or more analgesic agents as theonly pharmaceutically active agents in the controlled-release layer. Inanother embodiment, a bilayer tablet of the invention comprises animmediate-release layer comprising an antiemetic agent as the onlypharmaceutically active agent in the immediate-release layer.

In another embodiment the controlled release layer further comprises oneor more of: silicified microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxy methyl propylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, and stearic acid.In another embodiment the immediate-release layer further comprises oneor more of: silicified microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodiumand magnesium stearate. In another embodiment the tablet has a hardnessof about 9.5 kilopond and thickness from about 6.9 to about 7.0 mm. Inanother embodiment the hydrocodone salt is hydrocodone bitartrate. Inanother embodiment the promethazine salt is promethazine HCL. In anotherembodiment the controlled release layer is an inner layer and whereinthe immediate-release layer is an outer layer.

In one embodiment the opioid analgesic is oxycodone or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof; and the one or more antiemetic is promethazineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another embodiment theeffective amount is an amount effective for treating or preventing painfor a period of about 12 hours immediately following administration to asubject. In another embodiment the bi-layer tablet comprises animmediate release layer and a controlled release layer. In anotherembodiment the immediate release layer comprises the promethazine orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and wherein the controlledrelease layer comprises the oxycodone, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof. In another embodiment about 70% of the promethazine orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is capable of dissolving in aliquid solution in about 5 minutes after contact with the solution, andwherein about 30% of the oxycodone or pharmaceutically acceptable saltis capable of dissolving in a liquid solution in about 10 minutes aftercontact with the solution. In another embodiment the controlled releaselayer further comprises an antiemetic agent.

In one embodiment the effective amount of the hydrocodone orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is an amount effective fortreating or preventing pain for a period of about 12 hours immediatelyfollowing administration to a subject. In another embodiment thecontrolled release layer comprises about 7.5 mg of hydrocodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 325 mg of acetaminophenor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 152 mg ofsilicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 20 mg of hydroxy methylpropyl cellulose, about 2.7 mg of magnesium stearate, and about 2.7 mgof stearic acid; and the immediate release layer comprises about 12.5 mgof promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about121.5 mg of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15 mg ofcroscarmellose sodium and about 1 mg of magnesium stearate. In anotherembodiment, one or both of the immediate-release layer and thecontrolled-release layer comprises one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosedherein.

In another embodiment the effective amount of the hydrocodone orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is an amount effective fortreating or preventing pain for a period of about 12 hours immediatelyfollowing administration to a subject. In another embodiment thecontrolled release layer comprises about 7.5 mg of hydrocodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 325 mg of acetaminophenor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 149.5 mg ofsilicified microcrystalline cellulose, about 15.5 mg of hydroxy methylpropyl cellulose, about 10 mg of croscarmellose sodium, about 2.7 mg ofmagnesium stearate, and about 2.7 mg of stearic acid; and the immediaterelease layer comprises about 12.5 mg of promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, about 121.5 mg of silicifiedmicrocrystalline cellulose, about 15 mg of croscarmellose sodium andabout 1 mg of magnesium stearate. In another embodiment, one or both ofthe immediate-release layer and the controlled-release layer comprisesone or more additional pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, salts,and/or carriers disclosed herein.

In another embodiment the composition further comprises an effectiveamount of naltrexone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Inanother embodiment the composition is in the form of a bi-layer tablet.In another embodiment the effective amount of the morphine orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is an amount effective fortreating or preventing pain for a period of about 12 hours immediatelyfollowing administration to a subject.

In one embodiment the controlled release layer comprises about 7.5 mg ofhydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and about 325mg of acetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; andfurther wherein the immediate-release layer comprises about 12 mg ofpromethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In anotherembodiment, one or both of the immediate-release layer and thecontrolled-release layer comprises one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosed herein.

In another embodiment the controlled release layer comprises about 7.5mg of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, andabout 325 mg of acetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof; and further wherein the immediate-release layer comprises about12.5 mg of promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.In another embodiment, one or both of the immediate-release layer andthe controlled-release layer comprises one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipients, salts, and/or carriers disclosed herein.

In one embodiment the effective amount is an amount effective fortreating or preventing pain for a period of about 12 hours immediatelyfollowing administration to a subject.

In one embodiment the effective amount of the oxycodone orpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is an amount effective fortreating or preventing pain for a period of about 12 hours immediatelyfollowing administration to a subject.

In another embodiment a composition comprises an antiemetic and about 70to about 80% of the antiemetic dissolves in the stomach of a subjectafter about 5 to about 10 minutes following oral administration. In oneembodiment, about 100% of the antiemetic dissolves in the stomach of asubject about 40, about 50 or about 60 minutes following oraladministration. In one embodiment, the antiemetic is promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In another embodiment, thepromethazine salt is promethazine HCl.

In another embodiment a composition comprises an opioid analgesic andfrom about 30% to about 40% of the opioid analgesic dissolves in thestomach of a subject after about 5 to about 10 minutes following oraladministration. In one embodiment, about 100% of the opioid analgesicdissolves in the stomach of a subject about 40, about 50 or about 60minutes following oral administration. In one embodiment, the opioidanalgesic is hydrocodone, oxycodone or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof. In another embodiment, the hydrocodone salt is hydrocodonebitartrate; or the oxycodone salt is oxycodone HCl.

In one embodiment, compositions described herein are administered to asubject at about every 4 to about 6 hours, about every 8 hours, aboutevery 12 hours, or about every 24 hours. In one embodiment, acomposition of the invention is administered once daily.

In one embodiment, the agent that reduces or eliminates an adverseeffect is an antiemetic agent or antihistamine. In further embodiments,the adverse effect reduced or eliminated is associated with an opioidanalgesic. In an additional embodiment, the adverse effect is associatedwith a non-opioid analgesic.

In various embodiments, an agent that reduces or eliminates an adverseeffect of an opioid analgesic agent or a non-opioid analgesic agentincludes but is not limited to promethazine, dolasetron, granisetron,ondansetron, tropisetron, palonosetron, domperidone, droperidol,haloperidol, chlorpromazine, prochloperazine, metoclopramide,alizapride, cyclizine, diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate, meclizine,hydroxyzine, cannabis, dronabinol, nabilone, midazolam, lorazepam,hyoscine, dexamethasone, trimethobenzamide, emetrol, and propofol or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In specific embodiments, a non-opioid analgesic agent is acetaminophen,ibuprofen, naproxen or flubiprofen, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof. In one embodiment the agent is naproxen sodium ormagnesium.

In specific embodiments, the opioid analgesic agent is hydrocodone oroxycodone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereofthiosemicarbazone, p-nitrophenylhydrazone, o-methyloxime, semicarbazone,or bis (methylcarbamate) derivative, (each of the foregoing being anopioid analgesic agent or derivative). In a further embodiment, theopioid analgesic agent is hydrocodone bitartrate or oxycodonehydrochloride.

In other specific embodiments, the opioid analgesic agent is a naturallyoccurring opiate, such as an alkaloid occurring in the opium poppy. Inone embodiment the naturally occurring opiate is morphine, codeine,narcotine, papaverine, narceine, thebaine; or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

In one embodiment, a composition comprises an effective amount of eachof an opioid analgesic, a non-opioid analgesic and an antiemetic orantihistamine, wherein the composition is capable of providing aneffective plasma concentration of the antihistamine prior to aneffective plasma concentrations of the opioid and the non-opioidanalgesic, post oral administration. For example, a compositioncomprising an effective amount of each of an opioid analgesic,non-opioid analgesic, and an antihistamine or antiemetic—provides aneffective plasma concentration of the latter antihistamine or antiemeticin about 1 to about 20 minutes, which is substantially earlier thaneffective plasma concentration of an analgesic, which can be from about20 minutes to about 12 hours. In one embodiment of the invention, acomposition comprises an effective amount of each of one or morepharmaceutically active agents disclosed herein. In one embodiment, thecomposition is a bilayer tablet comprising a controlled-release layerand an immediate-release layer.

In one embodiment about 70% to about 80% of a pharmaceutically activeagent is capable of achieving dissolution from the immediate-releaselayer at about 5 to about 10 minutes following oral administration. Inanother embodiment about 70% to about 80% of a pharmaceutically activeagent is capable of achieving dissolution from the immediate-releaselayer at about 5 to about 10 minutes following contact with adissolution fluid, such as the dissolution fluid described in Example15.

In another embodiment about 100% of a pharmaceutically active agent iscapable of achieving dissolution from the immediate-release layer atabout 40 minutes following oral administration. In another embodimentabout 100% to of a pharmaceutically active agent is capable of achievingdissolution from the immediate-release layer at about 40 minutesfollowing contact with a dissolution fluid, such as the dissolutionfluid described in Example 15.

In another embodiment about 30% to about 40% of a pharmaceuticallyactive agent is capable of achieving dissolution from thecontrolled-release layer at about 5 to about 10 minutes following oraladministration. In another embodiment about 30% to about 40% of apharmaceutically active agent is capable of achieving dissolution fromthe controlled-release layer at about 5 to about 10 minutes followingcontact with a dissolution fluid, such as the dissolution fluiddescribed in Example 15.

In another embodiment about 90% of a pharmaceutically active agent iscapable of achieving dissolution from the controlled-release layer atabout 60 minutes following oral administration. In another embodimentabout 90% of a pharmaceutically active agent is capable of achievingdissolution from the controlled-release layer at about 60 minutesfollowing contact with a dissolution fluid, such as the dissolutionfluid described in Example 15.

In yet another embodiment, from about 90 to about 100% of apharmaceutically active agent is capable of achieving dissolution fromthe immediate-release layer at about 40, about 50 or about 60 minutesfollowing oral administration. In yet another embodiment, from about 90to about 100% of a pharmaceutically active agent is capable of achievingdissolution from the immediate-release layer at about 40, about 50 orabout 60 minutes following contact with a dissolution fluid, such as thedissolution fluid described in Example 15.

In yet another embodiment, from about 90 to about 100% of apharmaceutically active agent is capable of achieving dissolution fromthe controlled-release layer at about 40, about 50 or about 60 minutesfollowing oral administration. In yet another embodiment, from about 90to about 100% of a pharmaceutically active agent is capable of achievingdissolution from the controlled-release layer at about 40, about 50 orabout 60 minutes following contact with a dissolution fluid, such as thedissolution fluid described in Example 15. An illustrative dissolutionprofile for the analgesic composition F.2 of Example 13 is depicted inFIG. 5.

For example, in various embodiments compositions are provided thatcomprise an opioid analgesic agent that is present at from about a doseof about 1.0 mg to about 100 mg, including but not limited to 1.0 mg,1.5 mg, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 5.0 mg, 6.0 mg, 6.5 mg, 7.0 mg, 7.5 mg,8.0 mg, 8.5 mg, 9.0 mg, 9.5 mg, 10.0, 10.5 mg, 11.0 mg, 12.0 mg, 12.5mg, 13.0 mg, 13.5 mg, 14.0 mg, 14.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 15.5 mg, 16 mg, 16.5mg, 17 mg, 17.5 mg, 18 mg, 18.5 mg, 19 mg, 19.5 mg, 20 mg, 20.5 mg, 21mg, 21.5 mg, 22 mg, 22.5 mg, 23 mg, 23.5 mg, 24 mg, 24.5 mg, 25 mg, 25.5mg, 26 mg, 26.5 mg, 27 mg, 27.5 mg, 28 mg, 28.5 mg, 29 mg, 29.5 mg, 30mg, 30.5 mg, 31 mg, 31.5 mg, 32 mg, 32.5 mg, 33 mg, 33.5 mg, 36 mg, 36.5mg, 37 mg, 37.5 mg, 38 mg, 38.5 mg, 39 mg, 39.5 mg, 40 mg, 40.5 mg, 41mg, 41.5 mg, 42 mg, 42.5 mg, 43 mg, 43.5 mg, 44 mg, 44.5 mg, 45 mg, 45.5mg, 46 mg, 46.5 mg, 47 mg, 47.5 mg, 48 mg, 48.5 mg, 49 mg, 49.5 mg, 50mg, 55 mg, 60 mg, 65 mg, 70 mg, 75 mg, 80 mg, 85 mg, 90 mg, 95 mg, or100 mg. In one embodiment the opioid analgesic agent is hydrocodone oroxycodone or salt thereof. In another embodiment the opioid analgesicagent is present in a bi-layer tablet that comprises an immediaterelease and a controlled release layer.

In another embodiment a composition is provided that comprises anon-opioid analgesic (such as acetaminophen) that is present at a dosefrom about 200 mg to about 1000 mg, including but not limited to 100 mg,105 mg, 110 mg, 115 mg, 120 mg, 125 mg, 130 mg, 135 mg, 140 mg, 145 mg,150 mg, 155 mg, 160 mg, 165 mg, 170 mg, 175 mg, 180 mg, 185 mg, 190 mg,200 mg, 205 mg, 210 mg, 215 mg, 220 mg, 225 mg, 230 mg, 235 mg, 240 mg,245 mg, 250 mg, 255 mg, 260 mg, 265 mg, 270 mg, 275 mg, 280 mg, 285 mg,290 mg, 295 mg, 300 mg, 305 mg, 310 mg, 315 mg, 320 mg, 325 mg, 326 mg,326.5 mg, 327 mg, 327.5 mg, 328 mg, 328.5 mg, 329 mg, 329.5 mg, 330 mg,330.5 mg, 331 mg, 331.5 mg, 332 mg, 332.5 mg, 333 mg, 333.5 mg, 334 mg,334.5 mg, 335 mg, 335.5 mg, 336 mg, 336.5 mg, 337 mg, 337.5 mg, 338 mg,338.5 mg, 339 mg, 339.5 mg, 340 mg, 340.5 mg, 341 mg, 341.5 mg, 342 mg,342.5 mg, 343 mg, 343.5 mg, 344 mg, 344.5 mg, 345 mg, 345.5 mg, 346 mg,346.5 mg, 347 mg, 347.5 mg, 348 mg, 348.5 mg, 349 mg, 349.5 mg, 350 mg,350.5 mg, 351 mg, 351.5 mg, 352 mg, 352.5 mg, 353 mg, 353.5 mg, 354 mg,354.5 mg, 355 mg, 355.5 mg, 356 mg, 356.5 mg, 357 mg, 357.5 mg, 358 mg,358.5 mg, 359 mg, 359.5 mg, 360 mg, 360.5 mg, 361 mg, 361.5 mg, 362 mg,362.5 mg, 363 mg, 363.5 mg, 364 mg, 364.5 mg, 365 mg, 365.5 mg, 366 mg,366.5 mg, 367 mg, 367.5 mg, 368 mg, 369.5 mg, 370 mg, 370.5 mg, 371 mg,371.5 mg, 372 mg, 372.5 mg, 373 mg, 373.5 mg, 374 mg, 374.5 mg, 375 mg,375.5 mg, 376 mg, 376.5 mg, 377 mg, 377.5 mg, 378 mg, 378.5 mg, 379 mg,379.5 mg, 380 mg, 380.5 mg, 381 mg, 381.5 mg, 382 mg, 382.5 mg, 383 mg,383.5 mg, 384 mg, 384.5 mg, 385 mg, 385.5 mg, 386 mg, 386.5 mg, 387 mg,387.5 mg, 388 mg, 388.5 mg, 389 mg, 389.5 mg, 390 mg, 390.5 mg, 391 mg,391.5 mg, 392 mg, 392.5 mg, 393 mg, 393.5 mg, 394 mg, 394.5 mg, 395 mg,395.5 mg, 396 mg, 396.5 mg, 397 mg, 397.5 mg, 398 mg, 398.5 mg, 399 mg,399.5 mg, 400 mg, 405 mg, 410 mg, 415 mg, 420 mg, 425 mg, 430 mg, 435mg, 440 mg, 445 mg, 450 mg, 455 mg, 460 mg, 465 mg, 470 mg, 475 mg, 480mg, 485 mg, 490 mg, 495 mg, 500 mg, 505 mg, 510 mg, 515 mg, 520 mg, 525mg, 530 mg, 535 mg, 540 mg, 545 mg, 550 mg, 555 mg, 560 mg, 565 mg, 570mg, 575 mg, 580 mg, 585 mg, 590 mg, 595 mg, 600 mg, 605 mg, 610 mg, 615mg, 620 mg, 625 mg, 630 mg, 635 mg, 640 mg, 645 mg, 650 mg, 655 mg, 660mg, 665 mg, 675 mg, 680 mg, 685 mg, 690 mg, 695 mg, 700 mg, 705 mg, 710mg, 715 mg, 720 mg, 725 mg, 730 mg, 735 mg, 740 mg, 745 mg, 750 mg, 755mg, 760 mg, 765 mg, 770 mg, 775 mg, 780 mg, 785 mg, 790 mg, 795 mg, 800mg, 805 mg, 810 mg, 815 mg, 820 mg, 825 mg, 830 mg, 835 mg, 840 mg, 845mg, 850 mg, 855 mg, 860 mg, 865 mg, 870 mg, 875 mg, 880 mg, 885 mg, 890mg, 895 mg, 900 mg, 905 mg, 910 mg, 915 mg, 920 mg, 925 mg, 930 mg, 935mg, 940 mg, 945 mg, 950 mg, 955 mg, 960 mg, 965 mg, 970 mg, 975 mg, 980mg, 985 mg, 990 mg, 995 mg, or 1000 mg. In one embodiment the non-opioidanalgesic agent is present in a bi-layer tablet that comprises animmediate release and a controlled release layer.

In another embodiment compositions comprise an antiemetic orantihistamine agent (e.g., promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof) present at a dose from about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg of,including but not limited to 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.5 mg, 2 mg, 2.5 mg, 3 mg,3.5 mg, 4 mg, 4.5 mg, 5 mg, 5.5 mg, 6 mg, 6.5 mg, 7 mg, 7.5 mg, 8 mg,8.5 mg, 9 mg, 9.5 mg, 10 mg, 10.5 mg, 11 mg, 11.5 mg, 12 mg, 12.5 mg, 13mg, 13.5 mg, 14 mg, 14.5 mg, 15 mg, 15.5 mg, 16 mg, 16.5 mg, 17 mg, 17.5mg, 18 mg, 18.5 mg, 19 mg, 19.5 mg, 20 mg, 20.5 mg, 21 mg, 21.5 mg, 22mg, 22.5 mg, 23 mg, 23.5 mg, 24 mg, 24.5 mg, 25 mg, 25.5 mg, 26 mg, 26.5mg, 27 mg, 27.5 mg, 28 mg, 28.5 mg, 29 mg, 29.5 mg, 30 mg, 31 mg, 32 mg,33 mg, 34 mg, 35 mg, 36 mg, 37 mg, 38 mg, 39 mg, 40 mg, 41 mg, 12 mg, 43mg, 44 mg, 45 mg, 46 mg, 47 mg, 48 mg, 49 mg, 50 mg, 55 mg, 60 mg, 65mg, 70 mg, 75 mg, 80 mg, 85 mg, 90 mg, 95 mg, 100 mg, 105 mg, 110 mg,115 mg, 120 mg, 125 mg, 130 mg, 135 mg, 140 mg, 145 mg, 150 mg, 155 mg,160 mg, 165 mg, 170 mg, 175 mg, 180 mg, 185 mg, 190 mg, 195 mg, or 200mg. In one embodiment the antiemetic or antihistamine agent is presentin a bi-layer tablet that comprises an immediate release and acontrolled release layer.

In one embodiment, compositions described herein comprise an opioidanalgesic agent (such as hydrocodone), a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt or its thiosemicarbazone, p-nitrophenylhydrazone, o-methyloxime,semicarbazone, or bis (methylcarbamate), (each of the foregoing being ahydrocodone agent, an opioid analgesic agent or derivative);acetaminophen; and promethazine or salt thereof. Furthermore, the opioidanalgesic agent can be present in a range of from about 1.0 mg to about100 mg, including but not limited to 1 mg, 1.5 mg, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0mg, 5.0 mg, 6.0 mg, 6.5 mg, 7.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 8.0 mg, 8.5 mg, 9.0 mg, 9.5mg, 10.0, 10.5 mg, 11.0 mg, 12.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 13.0 mg, 13.5 mg, 14.0 mg,14.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 15.5 mg, 16 mg, 16.5 mg, 17 mg, 17.5 mg, 18 mg, 18.5mg, 19 mg, 19.5 mg, 20 mg, 20.5 mg, 21 mg, 21.5 mg, 22 mg, 22.5 mg, 23mg, 23.5 mg, 24 mg, 24.5 mg, 25 mg, 25.5 mg, 26 mg, 26.5 mg, 27 mg, 27.5mg, 28 mg, 28.5 mg, 29 mg, 29.5 mg, 30 mg, 30.5 mg, 31 mg, 31.5 mg, 32mg, 32.5 mg, 33 mg, 33.5 mg, 36 mg, 36.5 mg, 37 mg, 37.5 mg, 38 mg, 38.5mg, 39 mg, 39.5 mg, 40 mg, 40.5 mg, 41 mg, 41.5 mg, 42 mg, 42.5 mg, 43mg, 43.5 mg, 44 mg, 44.5 mg, 45 mg, 45.5 mg, 46 mg, 46.5 mg, 47 mg, 47.5mg, 48 mg, 48.5 mg, 49 mg, 49.5 mg, 50 mg, 55 mg, 60 mg, 65 mg, 70 mg,75 mg, 80 mg, 85 mg, 90 mg, 95 mg, or 100 mg.). In one embodiment, theopioid analgesic agent is hydrocodone bitartrate or oxycodonehydrochloride.

Furthermore, in various embodiments, compositions described hereincomprise acetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof ispresent in the composition at a range of from about 200 mg to about 1000mg, including but not limited to 200 mg, 205 mg, 210 mg, 215 mg, 220 mg,225 mg, 230 mg, 235 mg, 240 mg, 245 mg, 250 mg, 255 mg, 260 mg, 265 mg,270 mg, 275 mg, 280 mg, 285 mg, 290 mg, 295 mg, 300 mg, 305 mg, 310 mg,315 mg, 320 mg, 325 mg, 326 mg, 326.5 mg, 327 mg, 327.5 mg, 328 mg,328.5 mg, 329 mg, 329.5 mg, 330 mg, 330.5 mg, 331 mg, 331.5 mg, 332 mg,332.5 mg, 333 mg, 333.5 mg, 334 mg, 334.5 mg, 335 mg, 335.5 mg, 336 mg,336.5 mg, 337 mg, 337.5 mg, 338 mg, 338.5 mg, 339 mg, 339.5 mg, 340 mg,340.5 mg, 341 mg, 341.5 mg, 342 mg, 342.5 mg, 343 mg, 343.5 mg, 344 mg,344.5 mg, 345 mg, 345.5 mg, 346 mg, 346.5 mg, 347 mg, 347.5 mg, 348 mg,348.5 mg, 349 mg, 349.5 mg, 350 mg, 350.5 mg, 351 mg, 351.5 mg, 352 mg,352.5 mg, 353 mg, 353.5 mg, 354 mg, 354.5 mg, 355 mg, 355.5 mg, 356 mg,356.5 mg, 357 mg, 357.5 mg, 358 mg, 358.5 mg, 359 mg, 359.5 mg, 360 mg,360.5 mg, 361 mg, 361.5 mg, 362 mg, 362.5 mg, 363 mg, 363.5 mg, 364 mg,364.5 mg, 365 mg, 365.5 mg, 366 mg, 366.5 mg, 367 mg, 367.5 mg, 368 mg,369.5 mg, 370 mg, 370.5 mg, 371 mg, 371.5 mg, 372 mg, 372.5 mg, 373 mg,373.5 mg, 374 mg, 374.5 mg, 375 mg, 375.5 mg, 376 mg, 376.5 mg, 377 mg,377.5 mg, 378 mg, 378.5 mg, 379 mg, 379.5 mg, 380 mg, 380.5 mg, 381 mg,381.5 mg, 382 mg, 382.5 mg, 383 mg, 383.5 mg, 384 mg, 384.5 mg, 385 mg,385.5 mg, 386 mg, 386.5 mg, 387 mg, 387.5 mg, 388 mg, 388.5 mg, 389 mg,389.5 mg, 390 mg, 390.5 mg, 391 mg, 391.5 mg, 392 mg, 392.5 mg, 393 mg,393.5 mg, 394 mg, 394.5 mg, 395 mg, 395.5 mg, 396 mg, 396.5 mg, 397 mg,397.5 mg, 398 mg, 398.5 mg, 399 mg, 399.5 mg, 400 mg, 405 mg, 410 mg,415 mg, 420 mg, 425 mg, 430 mg, 435 mg, 440 mg, 445 mg, 450 mg, 455 mg,460 mg, 465 mg, 470 mg, 475 mg, 480 mg, 485 mg, 490 mg, 495 mg, 500 mg,505 mg, 510 mg, 515 mg, 520 mg, 525 mg, 530 mg, 535 mg, 540 mg, 545 mg,550 mg, 555 mg, 560 mg, 565 mg, 570 mg, 575 mg, 580 mg, 585 mg, 590 mg,595 mg, 600 mg, 605 mg, 610 mg, 615 mg, 620 mg, 625 mg, 630 mg, 635 mg,640 mg, 645 mg, 650 mg, 655 mg, 660 mg, 665 mg, 675 mg, 680 mg, 685 mg,690 mg, 695 mg, 700 mg, 705 mg, 710 mg, 715 mg, 720 mg, 725 mg, 730 mg,735 mg, 740 mg, 745 mg, 750 mg, 755 mg, 760 mg, 765 mg, 770 mg, 775 mg,780 mg, 785 mg, 790 mg, 795 mg, 800 mg, 805 mg, 810 mg, 815 mg, 820 mg,825 mg, 830 mg, 835 mg, 840 mg, 845 mg, 850 mg, 855 mg, 860 mg, 865 mg,870 mg, 875 mg, 880 mg, 885 mg, 890 mg, 895 mg, 900 mg, 905 mg, 910 mg,915 mg, 920 mg, 925 mg, 930 mg, 935 mg, 940 mg, 945 mg, 950 mg, 955 mg,960 mg, 965 mg, 970 mg, 975 mg, 980 mg, 985 mg, 990 mg, 995 mg, or 1000mg. In addition, the promethazine or salt thereof is present in thecomposition at a dose between about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg, includingbut not limited to 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 3.5mg, 4.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.5 mg, 6.0 mg, 6.5 mg, 7.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 8.0mg, 8.5 mg, 9.0 mg, 9.5 mg, 10 mg, 10.5 mg, 11.0 mg, 11.5 mg, 12.0 mg,12.5 mg, 13 mg, 13.5 mg, 14 mg, 14.5 mg, 15 mg, 15.5 mg, 16 mg, 16.5 mg,17 mg, 17.5 mg, 18 mg, 18.5 mg, 19 mg, 19.5 mg, 20 mg, 20.5 mg, 21 mg,21.5 mg, 22 mg, 22.5 mg, 23 mg, 23.5 mg, 24 mg, 24.5 mg, 25 mg, 25.5 mg,26 mg, 26.5 mg, 27 mg, 27.5 mg, 28 mg, 28.5 mg, 29 mg, 29.5 mg, 30 mg,31 mg, 32 mg, 33 mg, 34 mg, 35 mg, 36 mg, 37 mg, 38 mg, 39 mg, 40 mg, 41mg, 12 mg, 43 mg, 44 mg, 45 mg, 46 mg, 47 mg, 48 mg, 49 mg, 50 mg, 55mg, 60 mg, 65 mg, 70 mg, 75 mg, 80 mg, 85 mg, 90 mg, 95 mg, 100 mg, 105mg, 110 mg, 115 mg, 120 mg, 125 mg, 130 mg, 135 mg, 140 mg, 145 mg, 150mg, 155 mg, 160 mg, 165 mg, 170 mg, 175 mg, 180 mg, 185 mg, 190 mg, 195mg, or 200 mg. In one embodiment hydrocodone or a salt thereof,acetaminophen or a salt thereof, and promethazine or a salt thereof arepresent in a bi-layer tablet that comprises an immediate release and acontrolled release layer. In another embodiment the immediate releaselayer comprises promethazine or a salt thereof and the controlledrelease layer comprises hydrocodone or a salt thereof and acetaminophenor a salt thereof.

In various embodiments, compositions described herein comprise an opioidanalgesic agent (such as hydrocodone or oxycodone or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof), acetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof and promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, wherein the composition comprises the respective agents, opioidanalgesic agent: acetaminophen or a salt thereof: promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a ratio by weight of about(1 to 2):(40 to 45):(1 to 2), such as about 1:40:1, 1:40:1.1, 1:40:1.2,1:40:1.3, 1:40:1.4, 1:40:1.5, 1:40:1.6, 1:40:1.7, 1:40:1.8, 1:40:1.9,1:40:2, 1.1:40:1, 1.2:40:1, 1.3:40:1, 1.4:40:1, 1.5:40:1, 1.6:40:1,1.7:40:1, 1.8:40:1, 1.9:40:1, 2:40:1, 1:41:1, 1:41:1.1, 1:41:1.2,1:41:1.3, 1:41:1.4, 1:41:1.5, 1:41:1.6, 1:41:1.7, 1:41:1.8, 1:41:1.9,1:41:2, 1.1:41:1, 1.2:41:1, 1.3:41:1, 1.4:41:1, 1.5:41:1, 1.6:41:1,1.7:41:1, 1.8:41:1, 1.9:41:1, 2:41:1, 1:42:1, 1:42:1.1, 1:42:1.2,1:42:1.3, 1:42:1.4, 1:42:1.5, 1:42:1.6, 1:42:1.7, 1:42:1.8, 1:42:1.9,1:42:2, 1.1:42:1, 1.2:42:1, 1.3:42:1, 1.4:42:1, 1.5:42:1, 1.6:42:1,1.7:42:1, 1.8:42:1, 1.9:42:1, 2:42:1, 1:43:1, 1:43:1.1, 1:43:1.2,1:43:1.3, 1:43:1.4, 1:43:1.5, 1:43:1.6, 1:43:1.7, 1:43:1.8, 1:43:1.9,1:43:2, 1.1:43:1, 1.2:43:1, 1.3:43:1, 1.4:43:1, 1.5:43:1, 1.6:43:1,1.7:43:1, 1.8:43:1, 1.9:43:1, 2:43:1, 1:43.1:1, 1:43.1:1.1, 1:43.1:1.2,1:43.1:1.3, 1:43.1:1.4, 1:43.1:1.5, 1:43.1:1.6, 1:43.1:1.7, 1:43.1:1.8,1:43.1:1.9, 1:43.1:2, 1.1:43.1:1, 1.2:43.1:1, 1.3:43.1:1, 1.4:43.1:1,1.5:43.1:1, 1.6:43.1:1, 1.7:43.1:1, 1.8:43.1:1, 1.9:43.1:1, 2:43.1:1,1:43.2:1, 1:43.2:1.1, 1:43.2:1.2, 1:43.2:1.3, 1:43.2:1.4, 1:43.2:1.5,1:43.2:1.6, 1:43.2:1.7, 1:43.2:1.8, 1:43.2:1.9, 1:43.2:2, 1.1:43.2:1,1.2:43.2:1, 1.3:43.2:1, 1.4:43.2:1, 1.5:43.2:1, 1.6:43.2:1, 1.7:43.2:1,1.8:43.2:1, 1.9:43.2:1, 2:43.2:1, 1:43.3:1, 1:43.3:1.1, 1:43.3:1.2,1:43.3:1.3, 1:43.3:1.4, 1:43.3:1.5, 1:43.3:1.6, 1:43.3:1.7, 1:43.3:1.8,1:43.3:1.9, 1:43.3:2, 1.1:43.3:1, 1.2:43.3:1, 1.3:43.3:1, 1.4:43.3:1,1.5:43.3:1, 1.6:43.3:1, 1.7:43.3:1, 1.8:43.3:1, 1.9:43.3:1, 2:43.3:1,1:43.4:1, 1:43.4:1.1, 1:43.4:1.2, 1:43.4:1.3, 1:43.4:1.4, 1:43.4:1.5,1:43.4:1.6, 1:43.4:1.7, 1:43.4:1.8, 1:43.4:1.9, 1:43.4:2, 1.1:43.4:1,1.2:43.4:1, 1.3:43.4:1, 1.4:43.4:1, 1.5:43.4:1, 1.6:43.4:1, 1.7:43.4:1,1.8:43.4:1, 1.9:43.4:1, 2:43.4:1, 1:43.5:1, 1:43.5:1.1, 1:43.5:1.2,1:43.5:1.3, 1:43.5:1.4, 1:43.5:1.5, 1:43.5:1.6, 1:43.5:1.7, 1:43.5:1.8,1:43.5:1.9, 1:43.5:2, 1.1:43.5:1, 1.2:43.5:1, 1.3:43.5:1, 1.4:43.5:1,1.5:43.5:1, 1.6:43.5:1, 1.7:43.5:1, 1.8:43.5:1, 1.9:43.5:1, 2:43.5:1,1:43.6:1, 1:43.6:1.1, 1:43.6:1.2, 1:43.6:1.3, 1:43.6:1.4, 1:43.6:1.5,1:43.6:1.6, 1:43.6:1.7, 1:43.6:1.8, 1:43.6:1.9, 1:43.6:2, 1.1:43.6:1,1.2:43.6:1, 1.3:43.6:1, 1.4:43.6:1, 1.5:43.6:1, 1.6:43.6:1, 1.7:43.6:1,1.8:43.6:1, 1.9:43.6:1, 2:43.6:1, 1:43.7:1, 1:43.7:1.1, 1:43.7:1.2,1:43.7:1.3, 1:43.7:1.4, 1:43.7:1.5, 1:43.7:1.6, 1:43.7:1.7, 1:43.7:1.8,1:43.7:1.9, 1:43.7:2, 1.1:43.7:1, 1.2:43.7:1, 1.3:43.7:1, 1.4:43.7:1,1.5:43.7:1, 1.6:43.7:1, 1.7:43.7:1, 1.8:43.7:1, 1.9:43.7:1, 2:43.7:1,1:43.8:1, 1:43.8:1.1, 1:43.8:1.2, 1:43.8:1.3, 1:43.8:1.4, 1:43.8:1.5,1:43.8:1.6, 1:43.8:1.7, 1:43.8:1.8, 1:43.8:1.9, 1:43.8:2, 1.1:43.8:1,1.2:43.8:1, 1.3:43.8:1, 1.4:43.8:1, 1.5:43.8:1, 1.6:43.8:1, 1.7:43.8:1,1.8:43.8:1, 1.9:43.8:1, 2:43.8:1, 1:43.9:1, 1:43.9:1.1, 1:43.9:1.2,1:43.9:1.3, 1:43.9:1.4, 1:43.9:1.5, 1:43.9:1.6, 1:43.9:1.7, 1:43.9:1.8,1:43.9:1.9, 1:43.9:2, 1.1:43.9:1, 1.2:43.9:1, 1.3:43.9:1, 1.4:43.9:1,1.5:43.9:1, 1.6:43.9:1, 1.7:43.9:1, 1.8:43.9:1, 1.9:43.9:1, 2:43.9:1,1:44:1, 1:44:1.1, 1:44:1.2, 1:44:1.3, 1:44:1.4, 1:44:1.5, 1:44:1.6,1:44:1.7, 1:44:1.8, 1:44:1.9, 1:44:2, 1.1:44:1, 1.2:44:1, 1.3:44:1,1.4:44:1, 1.5:44:1, 1.6:44:1, 1.7:44:1, 1.8:44:1, 1.9:44:1, 2:44:1,1:45:1, 1:45:1.1, 1:45:1.2, 1:45:1.3, 1:45:1.4, 1:45:1.5, 1:45:1.6,1:45:1.7, 1:45:1.8, 1:45:1.9, 1:45:2, 1.1:45:1, 1.2:45:1, 1.3:45:1,1.4:45:1, 1.5:45:1, 1.6:45:1, 1.7:45:1, 1.8:45:1, 1.9:45:1, or 2:45:1.For example, in one embodiment, the ratio of amounts for each activeagent is about (1):(43.33):(1.67) for hydrocodone or a salt thereof:acetaminophen or a salt thereof: promethazine or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, respectively. In one embodiment apharmaceutically acceptable salt of hydrocodone, acetaminophen orpromethazine is provided. In one embodiment an opioid analgesic agent(such as hydrocodone or oxycodone or a salt thereof), acetaminophen or asalt thereof; and promethazine or a salt thereof are present in abi-layer tablet that comprises an immediate release and a controlledrelease layer.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises oxycodone, apharmaceutically acceptable salt or its thiosemicarbazone,p-nitrophenylhydrazone, o-methyloxime, semicarbazone, or bis(methylcarbamate) (each of the foregoing being a hydrocodone agent orderivative); acetaminophen or a salt thereof; and promethazine or a saltthereof. Furthermore, the oxycodone or a salt thereof is present in arange of about 1 mg to about 200 mg, including but not limited to 1.0mg, 1.5 mg, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.5 mg, 6.0 mg, 6.5mg, 7.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 8.0 mg, 8.5 mg, 9.0 mg, 9.5 mg, 10.0, 10.5 mg, 11.0mg, 12.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 13.0 mg, 13.5 mg, 14.0 mg, 14.5 mg, 15.0 mg, 15.5mg, 16 mg, 16.5 mg, 17 mg, 17.5 mg, 18 mg, 18.5 mg, 19 mg, 19.5 mg or 20mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 70 mg, 100 mg, 130 mg, 160, 190 mg, 200 mg.Furthermore, the acetaminophen or a salt thereof is in a range ofbetween about 200 mg to about 1000 mg, including but not limited to 200mg, 205 mg, 210 mg, 215 mg, 220 mg, 225 mg, 230 mg, 235 mg, 240 mg, 245mg, 250 mg, 255 mg, 260 mg, 265 mg, 270 mg, 275 mg, 280 mg, 285 mg, 290mg, 295 mg, 300 mg, 305 mg, 310 mg, 315 mg, 320 mg, 325 mg, 326 mg,326.5 mg, 327 mg, 327.5 mg, 328 mg, 328.5 mg, 329 mg, 329.5 mg, 330 mg,330.5 mg, 331 mg, 331.5 mg, 332 mg, 332.5 mg, 333 mg, 333.5 mg, 334 mg,334.5 mg, 335 mg, 335.5 mg, 336 mg, 336.5 mg, 337 mg, 337.5 mg, 338 mg,338.5 mg, 339 mg, 339.5 mg, 340 mg, 340.5 mg, 341 mg, 341.5 mg, 342 mg,342.5 mg, 343 mg, 343.5 mg, 344 mg, 344.5 mg, 345 mg, 345.5 mg, 346 mg,346.5 mg, 347 mg, 347.5 mg, 348 mg, 348.5 mg, 349 mg, 349.5 mg, 350 mg,350.5 mg, 351 mg, 351.5 mg, 352 mg, 352.5 mg, 353 mg, 353.5 mg, 354 mg,354.5 mg, 355 mg, 355.5 mg, 356 mg, 356.5 mg, 357 mg, 357.5 mg, 358 mg,358.5 mg, 359 mg, 359.5 mg, 360 mg, 360.5 mg, 361 mg, 361.5 mg, 362 mg,362.5 mg, 363 mg, 363.5 mg, 364 mg, 364.5 mg, 365 mg, 365.5 mg, 366 mg,366.5 mg, 367 mg, 367.5 mg, 368 mg, 369.5 mg, 370 mg, 370.5 mg, 371 mg,371.5 mg, 372 mg, 372.5 mg, 373 mg, 373.5 mg, 374 mg, 374.5 mg, 375 mg,375.5 mg, 376 mg, 376.5 mg, 377 mg, 377.5 mg, 378 mg, 378.5 mg, 379 mg,379.5 mg, 380 mg, 380.5 mg, 381 mg, 381.5 mg, 382 mg, 382.5 mg, 383 mg,383.5 mg, 384 mg, 384.5 mg, 385 mg, 385.5 mg, 386 mg, 386.5 mg, 387 mg,387.5 mg, 388 mg, 388.5 mg, 389 mg, 389.5 mg, 390 mg, 390.5 mg, 391 mg,391.5 mg, 392 mg, 392.5 mg, 393 mg, 393.5 mg, 394 mg, 394.5 mg, 395 mg,395.5 mg, 396 mg, 396.5 mg, 397 mg, 397.5 mg, 398 mg, 398.5 mg, 399 mg,399.5 mg, 400 mg, 405 mg, 410 mg, 415 mg, 420 mg, 425 mg, 430 mg, 435mg, 440 mg, 445 mg, 450 mg, 455 mg, 460 mg, 465 mg, 470 mg, 475 mg, 480mg, 485 mg, 490 mg, 495 mg, 500 mg, 505 mg, 510 mg, 515 mg, 520 mg, 525mg, 530 mg, 535 mg, 540 mg, 545 mg, 550 mg, 555 mg, 560 mg, 565 mg, 570mg, 575 mg, 580 mg, 585 mg, 590 mg, 595 mg, 600 mg, 605 mg, 610 mg, 615mg, 620 mg, 625 mg, 630 mg, 635 mg, 640 mg, 645 mg, 650 mg, 655 mg, 660mg, 665 mg, 675 mg, 680 mg, 685 mg, 690 mg, 695 mg, 700 mg, 705 mg, 710mg, 715 mg, 720 mg, 725 mg, 730 mg, 735 mg, 740 mg, 745 mg, 750 mg, 755mg, 760 mg, 765 mg, 770 mg, 775 mg, 780 mg, 785 mg, 790 mg, 795 mg, 800mg, 805 mg, 810 mg, 815 mg, 820 mg, 825 mg, 830 mg, 835 mg, 840 mg, 845mg, 850 mg, 855 mg, 860 mg, 865 mg, 870 mg, 875 mg, 880 mg, 885 mg, 890mg, 895 mg, 900 mg, 905 mg, 910 mg, 915 mg, 920 mg, 925 mg, 930 mg, 935mg, 940 mg, 945 mg, 950 mg, 955 mg, 960 mg, 965 mg, 970 mg, 975 mg, 980mg, 985 mg, 990 mg, 995 mg, or 1000 mg. The compositions can furthercomprise between about 0.5 mg to about 200 mg of an antihistamine (e.g.,promethazine or a salt thereof), including but not limited to 0.5 mg,1.0 mg, 1.5 mg, 2.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 3.5 mg, 4.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 5.0 mg,5.5 mg, 6.0 mg, 6.5 mg, 7.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 8.0 mg, 8.5 mg, 9.0 mg, 9.5 mg,10 mg, 10.5 mg, 11.0 mg, 11.5 mg, 12.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 13 mg, 13.5 mg, 14mg, 14.5 mg, 15 mg, 15.5 mg, 16 mg, 16.5 mg, 17 mg, 17.5 mg, 18 mg, 18.5mg, 19 mg, 19.5 mg, 20 mg, 20.5 mg, 21 mg, 21.5 mg, 22 mg, 22.5 mg, 23mg, 23.5 mg, 24 mg, 24.5 mg, 25 mg, 25.5 mg, 26 mg, 26.5 mg, 27 mg, 27.5mg, 28 mg, 28.5 mg, 29 mg, 29.5 mg, 30 mg, 31 mg, 32 mg, 33 mg, 34 mg,35 mg, 36 mg, 37 mg, 38 mg, 39 mg, 40 mg, 41 mg, 12 mg, 43 mg, 44 mg, 45mg, 46 mg, 47 mg, 48 mg, 49 mg, 50 mg, 55 mg, 60 mg, 65 mg, 70 mg, 75mg, 80 mg, 85 mg, 90 mg, 95 mg, 100 mg, 105 mg, 110 mg, 115 mg, 120 mg,125 mg, 130 mg, 135 mg, 140 mg, 145 mg, 150 mg, 155 mg, 160 mg, 165 mg,170 mg, 175 mg, 180 mg, 185 mg, 190 mg, 195 mg, or 200 mg. In oneembodiment oxycodone or a salt thereof, acetaminophen or a salt thereofand promethazine or a salt thereof are present in a bi-layer tablet thatcomprises an immediate release and a controlled release layer.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises promethazine or a saltthereof in an amount of 12.5 mg. In one embodiment, the compositionsdescribed herein comprise oxycodone or a salt thereof, acetaminophen ora salt thereof and promethazine or a salt thereof, wherein thecomposition comprises the agents in a weight ratio of about (1 to 2):(40to 45):(1 to 2), respectively. In one embodiment a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of oxycodone, acetaminophen or promethazine is provided.For example, in one embodiment, the weight ratio of amounts for eachactive agent is about (1):(43.33):(1.67) for oxycodone or a saltthereof, acetaminophen or a salt thereof and promethazine or a saltthereof, respectively. In one embodiment, the compositions describedherein comprise an antihistamine (e.g., promethazine or a salt thereof)at a lower dosage than that which the antihistamine is administeredalone. In one embodiment, the antihistamine is provided in thecomposition at a dosage to prevent sedation, which may be observed withrelatively higher dosages of promethazine or a salt thereof. Thus insome embodiments, promethazine is provided at 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.5 mg,2.0 mg, 2.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 3.5 mg, 4.0 mg, 4.5 mg, 5.0 mg, 5.5 mg, 6.0 mg,6.5 mg, 7.0 mg, 7.5 mg, 8.0 mg, 8.5 mg, 9.0 mg, 9.5 mg, 10 mg, 10.5 mg,11.0 mg, 11.5 mg, 12.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 13 mg, 13.5 mg, 14 mg, 14.5 mg, 15mg, 15.5 mg, 16 mg, 16.5 mg, 17 mg, 17.5 mg, 18 mg, 18.5 mg, 19 mg, 19.5mg, 20 mg, 20.5 mg, 21 mg, 21.5 mg, 22 mg, 22.5 mg, 23 mg, 23.5 mg, 24mg, 24.5 mg, 25 mg, 25.5 mg, 26 mg, 26.5 mg, 27 mg, 27.5 mg, 28 mg, 28.5mg, 29 mg, 29.5 mg, 30 mg, 31 mg, 32 mg, 33 mg, 34 mg, 35 mg, 36 mg, 37mg, 38 mg, 39 mg, 40 mg, 41 mg, 12 mg, 43 mg, 44 mg, 45 mg, 46 mg, 47mg, 48 mg, 49 mg, 50 mg, 55 mg, 60 mg, 65 mg, 70 mg, 75 mg, 80 mg, 85mg, 90 mg, 95 mg, 100 mg, 105 mg, 110 mg, 115 mg, 120 mg, 125 mg, 130mg, 135 mg, 140 mg, 145 mg, 150 mg, 155 mg, 160 mg, 165 mg, 170 mg, 175mg, 180 mg, 185 mg, 190 mg, 195 mg, or 200 mg. Therefore, anantihistamine or antiemetic (e.g., promethazine or a salt thereof) canbe provided at a dosage that is effective for reducing adverse affectsassociated with the opioid analgesic or non-opioid analgesic, but is ata relative low enough dosage (e.g., given the subject's weight) toprevent sedation associated with the antihistamine or antiemetic.Examples of adverse effects include acute liver toxicity, allergicreactions such as swelling, difficulty breathing, closing of throat,abdominal pain, nausea, unusual bleeding or bruising. In one embodimentoxycodone or a salt thereof, acetaminophen or a salt thereof; andpromethazine or a salt thereof are present in a bi-layer tablet thatcomprises an immediate release and a controlled release layer.

In one embodiment, the compositions described herein comprise 6-8 mg ofhydrocodone or a salt thereof (such as about 6.0 mg, 6.1 mg, 6.2 mg, 6.3mg, 6.4 mg, 6.5 mg, 6.6 mg, 6.7 mg, 6.8 mg, 6.9 mg, 7.0 mg, 7.1 mg, 7.2mg, 7.3 mg, 7.4 mg, 7.5 mg, 7.6 mg, 7.7 mg, 7.8 mg, 7.9 mg, or 8.0 mg),310-330 mg of acetaminophen (such as about 310 mg, 315 mg, 320 mg, or325 mg), and 5-13 mg of promethazine or a salt thereof (such as about 10mg, 10.5 mg, 11.0 mg, 11.5 mg, 12.0 mg, 12.5 mg, 13.0, mg, 13.5 mg, 14.0mg, 14.5 mg, or 15 mg). In a further embodiment a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt of hydrocodone, acetaminophen or promethazine isprovided. The hydrocodone and the acetaminophen can be formulated usingconventional technologies to provide for an extended time release over adesired dosage interval. All or some of the promethazine can beformulated for immediate release to help abate common adverse effectsassociated with the hydrocodone and acetaminophen including nausea,vomiting, other gastric upsets, skin rashes, allergic reactions such asswelling, difficulty breathing, closing of throat, abdominal pain,unusual bleeding or bruising, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratorydepression. In one embodiment hydrocodone, acetaminophen; andpromethazine are present in a bi-layer tablet that comprises animmediate release and a controlled release layer.

In one embodiment, the compositions described herein comprise from 1% to20% by weight of an antihistamine (such as 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%,4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 10.5%,11%, 11.5%, 12%, 12.5%, 13%, 13.5%, 14%, 14.5%, 15%, 15.5%, 16%, 16.5%,17%, 17.5%, 18%, 18.5%, 19%, 19.5%, or 20%); from 10% to 80% by weight anon-opioid analgesic (such as 10%, 10.5%, 11%, 11.5%, 12%, 12.5%, 13%,13.5%, 14%, 14.5%, 15%, 15.5%, 16%, 16.5%, 17%, 17.5%, 18%, 18.5%, 19%,19.5%, 20%, 20.5%, 21%, 21.5%, 22%, 22.5%, 23%, 23.5%, 24%, 24.5%, 25%,25.5%, 26%, 26.5%, 27%, 27.5%, 28%, 28.5%, 29%, 29.5%, 30%, 30.5%, 31%,31.5%, 32%, 32.5%, 33%, 33.5%, 34%, 34.5%, 35%, 35.5%, 36%, 36.5%, 37%,37.5%, 38%, 38.5%, 39%, 39.5%, 40%, 40.5%, 41%, 41.5%, 42%, 42.5%, 43%,43.5%, 44%, 44.5%, 45%, 45.5%, 46%, 46.5%, 47%, 47.5%, 48%, 48.5%, 49%,49.5%, 50%, 50.5%, 51%, 51.5%, 52%, 52.5%, 53%, 53.5%, 54%, 54.5%, 55%,55.5%, 56%, 56.5%, 57%, 57.5%, 58%, 58.5%, 59%, 59.5%, 60%, 60.5%, 61%,61.5%, 62%, 62.5%, 63%, 63.5%, 64%, 64.5%, 65%, 65.5%, 66%, 66.5%, 67%,67.5%, 68%, 68.5%, 69%, 69.5%, 70%, 70.5%, 71%, 71.5%, 72%, 72.5%, 73%,73.5%, 74%, 74.5%, 75%, 75.5%, 76%, 76.5%, 77%, 77.5%, 78%, 78.5%, 79%,79.5%, 80%); and from 1% to 20% by weight of an opioid analgesic (suchas 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%,8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, 10.5%, 11%, 11.5%, 12%, 12.5%, 13%, 13.5%, 14%,14.5%, 15%, 15.5%, 16%, 16.5%, 17%, 17.5%, 18%, 18.5%, 19%, 19.5%, or20%). In one embodiment an opioid analgesic agent, a non-opioidanalgesic and an antihistamine are present in a bi-layer tablet thatcomprises an immediate release and a controlled release layer.

In one embodiment, the compositions described herein comprise 6-8 mg ofoxycodone HCL (such as about 7.5 mg), 250-402 mg of acetaminophen (suchas about 325 mg), and 6-15 mg of promethazine HCL (such as about 12.5mg). The oxycodone HCL and the acetaminophen can be formulated usingconventional technologies to provide for an extended time release over adesired dosage interval. All or some of the promethazine can beformulated for immediate release. In one embodiment the composition isin the form of a bi-layer tablet comprising an immediate-release layercomprising promethazine HCL and a controlled-release layer and acontrolled release layer comprising acetaminophen and oxycodone or asalt thereof.

In one embodiment the compositions described herein comprise an opioidagent, a non opioid agent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent canhave a purity of 60-100% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise an opioid agent, a non opioidagent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent can have a purity of70-100% by weight. In another embodiment the compositions describedherein comprise an opioid agent, a non opioid agent and an antiemeticagent, where each agent can have a purity of 80-100% by weight. Inanother embodiment the compositions described herein comprise an opioidagent, a non opioid agent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent canhave a purity of 90-100% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise an opioid agent, a non opioidagent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent can have a purity of85-95% by weight. In another embodiment the compositions describedherein comprise an opioid agent, a non opioid agent and an antiemeticagent, where each agent can have a purity of 95-100% by weight. Inanother embodiment the compositions described herein comprise an opioidagent, a non opioid agent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent canhave a purity of at least 70% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise an opioid agent, a non opioidagent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent can have a purity of atleast 75% by weight. In another embodiment the compositions describedherein comprise an opioid agent, a non opioid agent and an antiemeticagent, where each agent can have a purity of at least 80% by weight. Inanother embodiment the compositions described herein comprise an opioidagent, a non opioid agent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent canhave a purity of at least 85% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise an opioid agent, a non opioidagent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent can have a purity of atleast 90% by weight. In another embodiment the compositions describedherein comprise an opioid agent, a non opioid agent and an antiemeticagent, where each agent can have a purity of at least 95% by weight. Inanother embodiment the compositions described herein comprise an opioidagent, a non opioid agent and an antiemetic agent, where each agent canhave a purity of at least 100% by weight.

In one embodiment the compositions described herein comprise the activeingredients hydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where eachingredient can have a purity of 60-100% by weight. In another embodimentthe compositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of 70-100% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of 80-100% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of 90-100% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of 85-95% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of 95-100% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of at least 70% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of at least 75% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of at least 80% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of at least 85% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of at least 90% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of at least 95% by weight. In another embodiment thecompositions described herein comprise the active ingredientshydrocodone, acetaminophen and promethazine, where each ingredient canhave a purity of at least 100% by weight.

In one embodiment, administration of the composition disclosed hereinthat comprises an antiemetic agent (such as promethazine or a saltthereof) can produce an outcome in a subject, such as reduced, abated oreliminated adverse effects associated with the administration of anopioid agent or non-opioid agent, such as oxycodone HCL, hydrocodonebitartrate and acetaminophen.

In various embodiments, the composition is in the form of any oraldosage form disclosed herein, including but not limited to a pill,tablet, or capsule. In one embodiment, the composition is in the form ofa bilayer tablet having an immediate-release layer and acontrolled-release layer, wherein one or more pharmaceutically activeagents are present in the immediate-release layer and one or morepharmaceutically active agents are present in the controlled releaselayer. In another embodiment, the immediate-release layer comprises oneor more antiemetic, and the controlled-release layer comprises one ormore pharmaceutically active agents disclosed herein, but which are notan antiemetic or antihistamine. In a further embodiment, an antiemeticor antihistamine is present in both the immediate-release andcontrolled-release layer. In another embodiment, the immediate releaselayer comprises promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. In another embodiment, the promethazine salt is promethazineHCl. In another embodiment, the controlled-release layer comprises anopioid analgesic. In a further embodiment, the opioid analgesic ishydrocodone or oxycodone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.In one embodiment the hydrocodone salt is hydrocodone bitartrate. Inanother embodiment, the oxycodone salt is oxycodone HCl. In a furtherembodiment, the controlled-release layer further comprises one or morenon-opioid analgesic. In one embodiment, the non-opioid analgesic isacetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In oneembodiment, the composition is in a form that achieves a hardness offrom about 5 to about 15 kilaponds, including the hardness of any singleinteger within this range, and has a thickness from about 5 to about 10mm, including the thickness of any single integer within this range. Inspecific embodiments the tablet has a hardness of about 9.5 kilaponds orabout 12.5 kilaponds. It will be understood that as to the kilapond andthickness measurements, increments of 0.1 decimal points are within thescope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the composition is capable of providing an effectiveplasma concentration of an antiemetic in about 1 minute to about 20minutes after administration to a subject. In another embodiment, theantiemetic is promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. In a further embodiment the salt is promethazine HCl.

In various embodiments, a composition comprises from about 1% to about20% by weight of an antihistamine; from about 10% to about 80% by weighta non-opioid analgesic; and from about 1% to about 20% by weight of anopioid analgesic.

In one embodiment, the composition is capable providing an effectiveplasma concentration of promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof in about 1 minute to about 20 minutes after administrationto a subject.

In one embodiment, a method is provided for reducing or eliminating anadverse effect of an analgesic agent, comprising administering to asubject in need thereof an composition comprising an effective amount ofeach of an opioid analgesic agent, a non-opioid analgesic agent and anagent which reduces or eliminates a adverse effect of the analgesicagents. In various embodiments, the agent useful for reducing oreliminating an adverse effect associated with administration of anopioid or non-opioid analgesic agent, is promethazine, dolasetron,granisetron, ondansetron, tropisetron, palonosetron, domperidone,droperidol, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, prochloperazine,metoclopramide, alizapride, cyclizine, diphenhydramine, dimenhydrinate,meclizine, hydroxyzine, cannabis, dronabinol, nabilone, midazolam,lorazepam, hyoscine, dexamethasone, trimethobenzamide, emetrol, orpropofol, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In some embodiments, a method is provided for treating or preventingpain, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effectiveamount of a composition comprising an effective amount of each of anopioid analgesic, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, anon-opioid analgesic, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, andan agent which reduces a adverse effect associated with the opioid ornon-opioid analgesic agent. In one embodiment, the agent that reduces anadverse effect is an antiemetic or an antihistamine.

In some embodiments, the pain being treated with the composition isassociated with cancer, chronic or acute pain, a headache, chronicheadache, a migraine headache, a surgical procedure, acute or chronicphysical injury, bone fracture or a crush injury, spinal cord injury, aninflammatory disease (e.g., pancreatitis), a non-inflammatoryneuropathic or dysfunctional pain condition, or a combination thereof.In some embodiments the subject is a mammal, e.g., a human, mouse, rat,guinea pig, dog, cat, horse, cow, pig, or non-human primate, such as amonkey, chimpanzee or baboon. In specific embodiments, the subject is ahuman. In one embodiment a stimulant that has anti-sedative properties,which can bring pain relief to the subject with reduced sedative effectscommon to some opioid analgesic formulations.

As discussed herein, the compositions of the present invention can be inincluding, but not limited to a multi-layer tablet (e.g., a bi-layertablet). In some specific embodiments, the multi-layer tablet is abi-layer tablet that comprises: (a) an immediate-release layer thatcomprises an effective amount of an agent which reduces or eliminates anadverse effect of an opioid analgesic; and (b) a controlled-releaselayer that comprises an effective amount of each of an opioid analgesicagent and a non-opioid analgesic agent.

In various embodiments, the agent that reduces or eliminates an adverseeffect associated with administration of an opioid or non-opioidanalgesic agent is released in a subject at a substantially faster ratethan an opioid or non-opioid analgesic in a composition of theinvention. For example, in one embodiment, a plasma concentration of theagent that reduces or eliminates an adverse effect of an opioidanalgesic is achieved in about 1 minute to about 20 minutes followingoral administration, as compared with a plasma concentration of ananalgesic agent, which can be achieved in about 30 minutes to about 8hours following oral administration. In various embodiments, thecompositions described herein comprise an agent that reduces oreliminates an adverse effect associated with administration of an opioidanalgesic or non-opioid analgesic, where the agent provides an effectiveplasma concentration in about 1 minute to about 20 minutes followingoral administration.

In specific embodiments, the agent that reduces or eliminates an adverseeffect associated with an opioid or a non-opioid analgesic is anantihistamine or antiemetic. In various embodiments, the compositionalso comprises an antiemetic agent.

In one embodiment, a composition comprises an effective amount of anopioid analgesic agent, a non-opioid analgesic agent, and an agent thatreduces or eliminates an adverse effect associated with administrationof the opioid or non-opioid analgesic. An adverse effect of opioid ornon-opioid analgesic agents includes but is not limited to nausea,vomiting, other gastric upset, skin rash, an allergic reaction such asswelling, difficulty breathing, closing of throat, abdominal pain,unusual bleeding or bruising, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratorydepression. In specific embodiments, the adverse effect that is reducedor eliminated is nausea, vomiting, constipation, or a combinationthereof.

In some embodiments of the invention described herein, the bi-layertablet comprises an immediate-release layer and a controlled-releaselayer. In a further embodiment, the immediate-release layer comprises anantiemetic or antihistamine and the controlled-release layer comprisesan opioid analgesic, a barbiturate, a stimulant, a triptan or acombination thereof. An illustrative bilayer tablet is depicted in FIG.2. In one embodiment, a bilayer tablet of the invention has thedimensions as depicted in FIG. 2.

In another embodiment the compositions comprise an effective amount ofeach of an analgesic agent, an antitussive agent, and an agent thatreduces or eliminates an adverse effect of the analgesic agent or theantitussive agent. In some embodiments the antitussive is also ananalgesic.

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to methods for thetreatment of pain, comprising administering an effective amount of eachof an opioid analgesic agent, a non-opioid analgesic agent and an agentthat reduces or eliminates an adverse effect of the opioid analgesicagent to a subject in need thereof.

The methods allow for use of analgesics in populations at risk ofadverse effect such as nausea, vomiting, other gastric upsets, skinrashes, allergic reactions such as swelling, difficulty breathing,closing of throat, abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, skinrashes, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratory depression.

In one embodiment, the compositions comprise an effective amount of eachof an opioid analgesic, an antiemetic, and an opioid antagonist, thecomposition is capable of providing protection from a metabolicconsequence of vomiting, particularly severe vomiting, in a subjectparticularly prone to adverse effects associated with an opioidanalgesic. An example of metabolic consequence of vomiting isdehydration. In one embodiment, the subject administered a compositionof the invention is about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51,52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69,70 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100 years old. Inanother embodiment, the subject administered a composition of theinvention is a child, such as a child between the ages of 0-1, 0-2,0-10, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, 2-7, 2-9, 2-9, 2-10, 2-12, 2-13, 2-14, 2-15,2-16, or 2-17 years old. In another embodiment, the subject administereda composition of the invention is 18 years or older. In anotherembodiment, the subject administered a composition of the invention is ageriatric patient. In another embodiment, the subject administered acomposition of the invention is about 55 years of age or older, about 60years of age or older, about 65 years of age or older, or about 70 yearsof age or older. In one embodiment, the composition administered to sucha subject comprises an opioid analgesic and one or more antiemeticagent. In one embodiment, the composition comprises oxycodone,promethazine, and naltrexone, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.

In various embodiments, a dosage form of the invention provides aneffective plasma concentration of an antiemetic or antihistamine at fromabout 1 minute to about 20 minutes after administration, including atthe time of any single integer within this range. In some embodiments,the release rate occurs at substantially faster as compared with releaserates for the analgesic agents.

In some embodiments, the composition provides an effective plasmaconcentration of an opioid analgesic and/or non-opioid analgesic at fromabout 20 minutes to about 24 hours after administration, including atthe time of any single integer within this range.

In further embodiments, the opioid and/or non-opioid analgesic ispresent in an effective plasma concentration in a subject from about 1hour to 24 hour or from about 1 day to 30 days, including at the time ofany single integer within this range. In addition, administration ofdosage compositions can be effected through patch delivery systems whichare known in the art.

In one embodiment, the composition comprises an antiemetic in an amountcapable of achieving a serum level Cmax of from about 0.2 ng/mL to about1 ng/mL at a Tmax of from about 1 to about 6 hours following oraladministration. In one specific embodiment the antiemetic ispromethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In anotherembodiment, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is promethazine HCl. Ina further embodiment, the composition is a bilayer tablet that has animmediate release layer and a controlled-release layer. In yet a furtherembodiment, the controlled release layer comprises an opioid analgesicagent or a non-opioid analgesic agent. In a further embodiment theimmediate-release layer comprises promethazine or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount capable ofachieving a serum level Cmax of about 0.46 ng/mL at a Tmax of about 2 toabout 3 hours following oral administration. In one specific embodiment,the promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is at a dose byweight in the composition of about 10 mg to about 15 mg. In anotherembodiment, the promethazine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt is at adose (by weight in the composition) of about 12.5 mg. In a furtherembodiment, the composition is in the form of a bilayer tablet that hasan immediate release layer and a controlled-release layer. In yetanother embodiment, the promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt is the only pharmaceutically active agent in the immediate releaselayer of a bilayer tablet of the invention. In one embodiment, thepromethazine is promethazine HCl. In yet a further embodiment, thecontrolled release layer comprises an opioid analgesic agent or anon-opioid analgesic agent. In a further embodiment, the opioidanalgesic is the only pharmaceutically active agent in thecontrolled-release layer of a bilayer tablet, non-opioid analgesic isthe only pharmaceutically active agent in the controlled-release layerof a bilayer tablet or both the opioid analgesic and non-opioidanalgesic are the only pharmaceutically active agents of thecontrolled-release layer of a bilayer tablet.

In another specific embodiment, the composition comprises promethazineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount capable ofachieving a serum level Cmax of about 4.36 ng/ml at a Tmax of about 3.5to about 4 hours following administration. In one embodiment, thepromethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is at a dose byweight in the composition of about 10 mg to about 15 mg. In anotherembodiment, the promethazine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt is at adose (by weight in the composition) of about 12.5 mg. In a furtherembodiment, the composition is in the form of a bilayer tablet that hasan immediate release layer and a controlled-release layer. In yetanother embodiment, the promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt is the only pharmaceutically active agent in the immediate releaselayer of a bilayer tablet of the invention. In one embodiment, thepromethazine is promethazine HCl. In yet a further embodiment, thecontrolled release layer comprises an opioid analgesic agent or anon-opioid analgesic agent. In a further embodiment, the opioidanalgesic is the only pharmaceutically active agent in thecontrolled-release layer of a bilayer tablet, non-opioid analgesic isthe only pharmaceutically active agent in the controlled-release layerof a bilayer tablet or both the opioid analgesic and non-opioidanalgesic are the only pharmaceutically active agents of thecontrolled-release layer of a bilayer tablet.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises hydrocodone or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount capable ofachieving a serum level Cmax of about 14.2 ng/ml at a Tmax of about 1.5to about 2 hours following oral administration. In one embodiment, thehydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is at a dose by weightin the composition of about 5 mg to about 12 mg. In another embodiment,the hydrocodone or pharmaceutically acceptable salt is at a dose (byweight in the composition) of about 8.3 mg. In a further embodiment, thecomposition is in the form of a bilayer tablet that has an immediaterelease layer and a controlled-release layer. In yet a furtherembodiment, the controlled release layer comprises an opioid analgesicagent or a non-opioid analgesic agent. In one embodiment the opioidanalgesic agent is hydrocodone bitartrate. In a further embodiment, theopioid analgesic is the only pharmaceutically active agent in thecontrolled-release layer of a bilayer tablet, the non-opioid analgesicis the only pharmaceutically active agent in the controlled-releaselayer of a bilayer tablet or both the opioid analgesic and non-opioidanalgesic are the only pharmaceutically active agents of thecontrolled-release layer of a bilayer tablet. In yet another embodiment,the promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is the onlypharmaceutically active agent in the immediate release layer of abilayer tablet of the invention. In one embodiment, the promethazine ispromethazine HCl.

In another embodiment, the composition comprises acetaminophen or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in an amount capable ofachieving a serum level Cmax of about 2.89 μg/ml at a Tmax of about 0.9to about 1.2 hours following oral administration. In one embodiment, theacetaminophen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is at a dose byweight in the composition of about 275 mg to about 405 mg. In anotherembodiment, the acetaminophen or pharmaceutically acceptable salt is ata dose (by weight in the composition) of about 361 mg. In a furtherembodiment, the composition is in the form of a bilayer tablet that hasan immediate release layer and a controlled-release layer. In yet afurther embodiment, the controlled release layer comprises an opioidanalgesic agent or a non-opioid analgesic agent. In a furtherembodiment, the non-opioid analgesic is the only pharmaceutically activeagent in the controlled-release layer of a bilayer tablet, the opioidanalgesic is the only pharmaceutically active agent in thecontrolled-release layer of a bilayer tablet or both the opioidanalgesic and non-opioid analgesic are the only pharmaceutically activeagents of the controlled-release layer of a bilayer tablet. In yetanother embodiment, the promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt is the only pharmaceutically active agent in the immediate releaselayer of a bilayer tablet of the invention. In one embodiment, thepromethazine is promethazine HCl.

In another specific embodiment, immediate-release occurs when there isdissolution of an agent within 1-20 minutes after oral administration.In another embodiment, immediate-release results in substantiallycomplete dissolution within about 1 hour following oral administration.In one embodiment, a composition is capable of providing about 80%dissolution of an antiemetic in about 5 minutes (e.g., FIG. 5).

In various embodiments, immediate-release occurs when there isdissolution of an agent within 1-20 minutes after administration.Dissolution can occur in a subject's stomach and/or intestine. Inanother embodiment, immediate-release results in complete or less thancomplete dissolution within about 1 hour following administration to asubject. In another embodiment, immediate-release results in complete orless than complete dissolution within about 1 hour following rectaladministration. When used in association with the dissolution profilesdiscussed herein, the term “immediate-release” refers to wherein all orless than the entire amount of a dosage form is dissolved.

In some embodiments, immediate-release is through inhalation, such thatdissolution occurs in a subject's lungs, as further described herein.Dissolution of less than all of an active includes but is not limited todissolution of about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%,99.1%, 99.2%, 99.35, 99.4%, 99.5%, 99.6%, 99.7%, 99.8% or 99.99% of theactive agent. Methods for measuring dissolution profiles are known(e.g., Example 15, infra).

Exemplary Nasal Dosage Forms

The agents of the compositions and methods described herein can beadministered by the nasal inhalation route using conventional nebulizersor by oxygen aerosolization to provide convenient pain relief withreduced adverse effects. The agents can be suspended or dissolved in apharmacologically acceptable inhalation carrier. Examples of suchcarriers are known in the art and include distilled water, water/ethanolmixtures, and physiological saline solution. Conventional additivesincluding sodium chloride, glucose, citric acid and the like may beemployed in these dosage forms to stabilize or to provide isotonicmedia.

The agents described herein can also be administered as a self-propelleddosage unit in aerosol form suitable for inhalation therapy. Suitablemeans for employing the aerosol inhalation therapy technique aredescribed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,768, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The agent can besuspended in an inert propellant such as a mixture ofdichlorodifluoromethane and dichlorotetrafluoroethane, together with aco-solvent such as ethanol, together with flavoring materials andstabilizers. In one embodiment of the invention, the agents useful for aself-propelled dosage unit in aerosol form administration arehydrocodone or oxycodone, acetaminophen, and promethazine. In a furtherembodiment the dosage unit may further comprise an agent such as abronchodilator (e.g., albuterol).

The agents of the compositions and methods described herein can also beadministered as nasal spray/drop compositions, which can convenientlyand safely be applied to subjects to effectively treat pain with reducedadverse effects. The compositions may further comprise a water-solublepolymer such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, together with other medicationssuch as sumatriptan, together with bioadhesive material.

Exemplary Intravenous and Liquid Dosage Forms

The compositions described herein can also be in liquid or liquidtannate form. The liquid formulations can comprise, for example, anagent in water-in-solution and/or suspension form; and a vehiclecomprising polyethoxylated castor oil, alcohol and/or a polyoxyethylatedsorbitan mono-oleate with or without flavoring.

The compositions described herein can also be administered ininjection-ready stable liquids for injection or I.V. drip. In oneembodiment a composition disclosed herein is administered by a subjectadministered injection. For example a subject can administer thecomposition via a hand-held injection device such as a pen typeinjector. In one example a subject can use a device or componentdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,361; 5,536,249; or 5,954,700 (which areherein incorporated by reference in their entirety) to administer apharmaceutical composition disclosed herein.

Exemplary Topical and Transdermal Dosage Forms

The compositions described herein can also be administered topically tothe skin of a subject. The agents can be mixed with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier or a base which is suitable for topical applicationto skin to form a dermatological composition. Suitable examples ofcarrier or base include, but not limited to, water, glycols, alcohols,lotions, creams, gels, emulsions, and sprays. A dermatologicalcomposition comprising an analgesic agent can be integrated into atopical dressing, medicated tape, dermal patch absorbing gel andcleansing tissues.

In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of use and asystem for the transdermal delivery of one or more pharmaceuticallyactive agents into a subject. In one embodiment a portion of the skin ofa subject is sealed with a thin, film layer of a base material toocclude the skin and transport a desired dosage of at least onepharmaceutically active agent across the a layer, which can be from arate-controlling system in contact with the thin layer. Therate-controlling system can be a thin rate-controlling membraneinterposed between one or more agents and the thin layer. In anotherembodiment a reservoir delivers at least one pharmaceutically activeagent to the layer for delivery into a subject. In some embodiments thepharmaceutically active agents to be delivered are: an opioid analgesic,a non-opioid analgesic and an antihistamine; or pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, solvates, or prodrugs thereof; one or morepharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers.

In one embodiment, the rate-controlling system or reservoir comprises atleast one pharmaceutically active agent to be delivered, is dispersed ina base material and contained within a container system. In oneembodiment at least one pharmaceutically active agent is dissolved inthe base material. In another embodiment at least one pharmaceuticallyactive agent is uniformly dispersed in the base material. In anotherembodiment, the rate-controlling system or reservoir comprisesmicroparticles of at least one pharmaceutically active agent to bedelivered suspended in a base material and contained within a containersystem. In one embodiment the base material is a viscous material. Thecontainer system may comprise a macroporous, non-rate-controlling facemembrane with an impervious backing to form a pool or patch-like systemof desired face membrane area with the face of the membrane placed overand in contact with the thin, occluding, viscous layer on the skin. Thethin viscous layer may be coated or placed on the skin repeatedly, andthe patch system placed on top of the thin, viscous layer or the viscouslayer formed in situ by exudation through the membrane face when thepatch or pool system is placed in position on the skin. In oneembodiment the patch or pool container system generally is retained in atransdermal position by the use of a peripheral adhesive layer about thepatch or pool. In one embodiment, the face or transport area of themembrane is covered prior to use by a removable cover such as a peelablestrip of impervious sheet material. In another embodiment, microcapsulescontaining a drug for delivery may be suspended in a viscous basematerial, and the composition then spread as a layer over the skin ofthe user with or without a covering material.

In other embodiments U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,906,463; 4,588,580; 4,685,911,4,626,539, 4,834,978 and 5,635,204 disclose useful transdermal patcheswhich may be used for the practice methods and compositions describedherein, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Exemplary Suppository Dosage Forms

The compositions described herein can also be administered in asuppository form, comprising an outer layer containing the compositionin a suppository base. The suppository base may, for example, be anyconventional suppository base material such as glycogelatin,polyethylene glycol, fractionated palm kernel oil, or one or morenatural, synthetic or semi synthetic hard fats such as cocoa butter. Inone embodiment the suppository is useful for vaginal or rectaladministration. In some embodiments the suppository is effervescent.

In some embodiments the suppository base material contains hydrophobicor hydrophilic media, each of which can melt at body temperature. In oneembodiment the suppository base material used can be cocoa butter orsimilar material. In another embodiment the suppository base materialcan be a moist polymer is then mixed with the one or morepharmaceutically active agents and compressed into the desired form. Inone embodiment at least one pharmaceutically active agent is dissolvedin the suppository base material. In another embodiment at least onepharmaceutically active agent is uniformly dispersed in the suppositorybase material. In another embodiment, the suppository base materialcomprises microparticles of at least one pharmaceutically active agentto be delivered suspended in the suppository base material. In someembodiments (such as vaginal suppositories) the suppository iseffervescent. In some embodiments the effervescing properties areimparted for the purpose of enhancing the rapid disintegrationproperties of the suppository.

In other embodiments U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,265,875 and 4,853,211 discloseuseful suppositories which may be used for the practice of methods andcompositions described herein, which are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety.

Exemplary Administrations

Described herein are methods for preventing an adverse effect such asnausea, vomiting, other gastric upsets, skin rashes, itching, allergicreactions such as swelling, difficulty breathing, closing of throat,abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, skin rashes, sedation, CNSdepression, or respiratory depression in a subject receiving, or in needof, opioid analgesic therapy. The prevention of an adverse effect can beaccomplished by the administration of an effective amount ofpromethazine or other antihistamine with the chosen analgesic agent oragents. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods for treatingpain, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effectiveamount of an opioid analgesic agent, a non-opioid analgesic agent, anagent that reduces side effects of the opioid analgesic agent andoptionally a stimulant agent. In one embodiment, the non-opioidanalgesic agent is acetaminophen. In another embodiment, the agent thatreduces an adverse effect is promethazine. In another embodiment, theinvention provides methods for treating pain, comprising administeringto a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an opioid analgesicagent, a non-opioid analgesic agent, a barbiturate agent, an agent thatreduces side effects of the opioid analgesic agent and optionally astimulant agent. In another embodiment, the invention provides methodsfor treating pain, comprising administering to a subject in need thereofan effective amount of an opioid analgesic agent, a barbiturate agent,an agent that reduces side effects of the opioid analgesic agent andoptionally a stimulant agent. In another embodiment, the inventionprovides methods for treating pain, comprising administering to asubject in need thereof an effective amount of an a non-opioid analgesicagent, a barbiturate agent, an agent that reduces side effects of theopioid analgesic agent and optionally a stimulant agent. In anotherembodiment, the invention provides methods for treating pain, comprisingadministering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of anopioid analgesic agent, an agent that reduces side effects of the opioidanalgesic agent and optionally a stimulant agent.

The administration can continue for only a relatively short time in thecase of an acute condition requiring opioid therapy or for long periodsin the case of conditions requiring chronic use of opioid analgesics.The dosing of analgesics can be dependent upon the condition beingtreated, the subject's individual perception of pain and the use of theopioid on a set time schedule as a prophylactic to prevent the onset ofpain or on an as needed basis in response to perceived pain. The choiceof selecting a dosage of a composition that contains suitable amount ofpromethazine can be dependent upon the extent and severity of theadverse effects including nausea, vomiting, other gastric upsets, skinrashes, allergic reactions such as swelling, difficulty breathing,closing of throat, abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or bruising, skinrashes, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratory depression in asubject, upon the sensitivity to side-effect-reducing compounds such aspromethazine in a subject, upon the likelihood of subject losingmedication by vomiting, and/or on an as needed basis in response toperceived adverse effects. The dosage can be assessed by a prescribingprofessional evaluating the subject, the condition treated, theanalgesic to be used, diet and the expected duration of therapy.

In one embodiment, compositions and methods described herein providesfor a method for treating a subject suffering from or susceptible topain, comprising administering to said subject an effective amount of acomposition comprising an effective amount of a first component which isa non-opioid analgesic, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,an effective amount of a second component which is a non-opioidanalgesic, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and aneffective amount of a third component which is an antihistamine.

In another embodiment, a method for treating a subject is providedcomprising administering an effective amount of a compositioncomprising: an effective amount of a first pharmaceutically active agentwhich is an opioid analgesic, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof an effective amount of a second pharmaceutically active agentwhich is a non-opioid analgesic, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof and an effective amount of a third pharmaceutically active agentwhich is an antihistamine or an anti-emetic. In one embodiment the atleast one adverse effect is nausea, vomiting, other gastric upsets, skinrashes, allergic reactions such as swelling, difficulty breathing,closing of throat, itching, abdominal pain, unusual bleeding orbruising, skin rashes, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratorydepression. In one embodiment the non-opioid analgesic is acetaminophenor analogue thereof. In one embodiment, the antihistamine ispromethazine. In one embodiment, the opioid analgesic is hydrocodone. Inanother embodiment the opioid analgesic is oxycodone. In anotherembodiment, the invention provides methods for preventing orameliorating an adverse effect associated with administration of ananalgesic, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof aneffective amount of an opioid analgesic agent, a non-opioid analgesicagent, an agent that reduces side effects of the opioid analgesic agentand optionally a stimulant agent. In one embodiment, the non-opioidanalgesic agent is acetaminophen. In another embodiment, the agent thatreduces an adverse effect is promethazine. In another embodiment, theinvention provides methods for preventing or ameliorating an adverseeffect associated with administration of an analgesic, comprisingadministering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of anopioid analgesic agent, a non-opioid analgesic agent, a barbiturateagent, an agent that reduces side effects of the opioid analgesic agentand optionally a stimulant agent. In another embodiment, the inventionprovides methods for preventing or ameliorating an adverse effectassociated with administration of an analgesic, comprising administeringto a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an opioid analgesicagent, a barbiturate agent, an agent that reduces side effects of theopioid analgesic agent and optionally a stimulant agent. In anotherembodiment, the invention provides methods for preventing orameliorating an adverse effect associated with administration of ananalgesic, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof aneffective amount of an a non-opioid analgesic agent, a barbiturateagent, an agent that reduces side effects of the opioid analgesic agentand optionally a stimulant agent. In another embodiment, the inventionprovides methods for preventing or ameliorating an adverse effectassociated with administration of an analgesic, comprising administeringto a subject in need thereof an effective amount of an opioid analgesicagent, an agent that reduces side effects of the opioid analgesic agentand optionally a stimulant agent.

In another embodiment, compositions and methods described hereinprovides for a method for preventing an adverse effect such as nausea,vomiting, and a skin rash in a subject receiving or in need of opioidtherapy by the administration of an effective amount of acetaminophen oranalogue thereof and promethazine with the opioid analgesic agent. Inone embodiment, the opioid analgesic is hydrocodone. In anotherembodiment the opioid analgesic is oxycodone. In one embodiment,administration of a composition comprising a non-opioid analgesic and anantihistamine enhances the reduction or elimination of adverse effectsassociated with an opioid analgesic. For example, addition ofpromethazine and acetaminophen/ibuprofen reduces or eliminates anadverse effect associated with an opioid analgesic in a synergisticmanner.

It is believed that administration of a composition would result intreatment of the subject which includes elimination or reduction of anadverse effect associated with analgesics (e.g., opioids) and enhancethe beneficial uses of such analgesics. Such an adverse effect canotherwise render administration of certain analgesics intolerable, dueto for example vomiting, nausea, and skin rashes. Therefore, variousembodiments of the methods of the invention are directed to targetpopulations of subjects that are susceptible to such an adverseeffect(s), thus allowing such subjects to benefit from thepain-alleviating effects of analgesic-based pain relief, administrationof which would otherwise be intolerable.

For example, by reducing the risk of vomiting, the risk of subjectlosing the analgesics (and losing the pain-relieving beneficial effectsof analgesics) by vomiting is minimized. Furthermore, administration canbe adjusted to provide the dose of side-effect-reducing compound tomatch the subject's analgesic ingestion without separate intervention bythe health care professionals. Adding one or more additional activeagents, such as promethazine, to the present compositions is believed toresult in a composition having reduced potential for abuse anddiversion.

Treatment or Prevention of Pain

The present compositions and methods are useful for treating orpreventing pain. Accordingly the present invention includes methods fortreating or preventing pain, comprising administering to a subject inneed thereof a composition. Pain treatable or preventable includes, butis not limited to, pain associated with cancer, chronic or acute pain,headache pain, migraine headache, chronic headache, surgical procedure,acute or chronic physical injury, bone fracture or crush injuries,spinal cord injury, inflammatory disease (e.g., pancreatitis),noninflammatory neuropathic or dysfunctional pain conditions, or acombination thereof.

Various methods of drug administration known in the art or disclosedherein are utilized to deliver a composition of present invention to asubject in need thereof.

In some embodiments, methods of treatment or prevention comprisingadministering a composition are for treating pain or preventing pain. Insome embodiments, the pain treatable or preventable via administrationof a composition of the invention includes but is not limited toheadache pain, and/or headache related symptoms as further describedherein below.

Treatment or Prevention of Headache

The present compositions and methods are useful for treating orpreventing a headache. Preventable or treatable headaches include butare not limited to migraine headaches (with or without aura), clusterheadaches, chronic headaches, tension type headaches, HemicraniaContinua, new daily persistent, chronic tension type headaches or anycombination thereof. In one embodiment, a method for treating orpreventing a headache comprises administering to a subject in needthereof a composition of the invention. Each of such compositions isfully described herein.

Migraines and cluster headaches are both important, well-known, andextensively studied medical problem. In many cases, they completelyincapacitate a sufferer for the duration of the headache. Theirphysiological embodiments, causative and aggravating factors, andcurrent Treatments are discussed in detail in numerous scientificarticles, and in full-length medical textbooks such as Headache inClinical Practice (edited by S. Silberstein et al., Oxford Univ. Press,1998); The Headaches, by J. Olesen; and Headache Disorders: A ManagementGuide for Practitioners, by A. Rapoport and F. Sheftell (W. B. Saunders,Philadelphia, 1996), which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety. In addition, various definitions, categories, and diagnosticstandards are defined by standardized criteria that have been approvedand issued by the International Headache Society (IHS), which werepublished as a supplement to the journal Cephalalgia (Cephalalgia. 2004;24 Suppl 1:9-160) and is herein incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

In one embodiment a composition of the invention is administered to asubject to treat, eliminate or prevent at least one headache symptom. Aneffective amount is a dosage sufficient to reduce at least one symptomassociate with a headache. Headache symptoms include: (1) frequency,which can be evaluated over a span of time, such as number of suchheadaches per week, per month, or per year; (2) duration, whichevaluates (usually in hours) how long a headache lasts, from the time itbegins to develop into a migraine or cluster headache, until it has beenresolved; and (3) severity (also referred to as intensity), which isbased on subjective estimates of the severity or intensity of pain orother symptoms (such as nausea) being suffered by patients during suchheadaches. In one embodiment a composition is used in a method to reducethe frequency, duration or severity of a preventable or treatableheadache.

Treatment or Prevention of Photophobia

In one embodiment, provided herein are methods for treating orpreventing photophobia, comprising administering to a subject in needthereof a composition of the invention. In one embodiment thecomposition comprises an effective amount of each of an opioid analgesicand an antiemetic, as disclosed herein above. In one embodiment, theantiemetic is promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereofand the opioid analgesic is hydrocodone, oxycodone or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof. In a further embodiment, the composition is inthe form of a bilayer tablet that comprises an immediate-release layerand a controlled-release layer. In another embodiment theimmediate-release layer comprises promethazine or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, and the controlled-release layer compriseshydrocodone, oxycodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Ina further embodiment, the photophobia is associated with a migraineheadache.

In another embodiment, provided herein are methods for treating orpreventing photophobia, comprising administering to a subject in needthereof a composition comprising an effective amount of a triptan and aneffective amount of an antiemetic. In a further embodiment the triptanis a sumatriptan or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and theantiemetic is promethazine or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. In one embodiment, the sumatriptan salt is sumatriptansuccinate.

In yet a further embodiment, the composition is in the form of a bilayertablet that comprises an immediate-release layer and acontrolled-release layer. In another embodiment the controlled-releaselayer comprises sumatriptan or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, and the immediate-release layer comprises promethazine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

EXAMPLES Example 1

Example of an analgesic composition comprising Hydrocodone Bitartrate,Acetaminophen and Promethazine Hydrochloride.

Analgesic Composition A INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) HydrocodoneBitartrate 7.5 Acetaminophen 325 Promethazine Hydrochloride 12.5

Example 2

The composition of Example 1 is formulated in the form of a bi-layertablet having an immediate-release layer comprising 12.5 mg ofpromethazine hydrochloride and having a controlled-release layercomprising 7.5 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and 325 mg of acetaminophen.

Example 3

The composition of Example 1 or Example 2 is orally administered withwater to a subject having a tendency to exhibit adverse effects ofopioid administration, such as gastric upset, nausea, vomiting, skinrash, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratory depression. Suchsubjects, upon taking the composition will receive an effective amountof promethazine in their blood stream. The promethazine will reduce theadverse effects that such a target population would otherwise exhibit.

Example 4

Analgesic composition comprising Oxycodone Hydrochloride, Acetaminophenand Promethazine Hydrochloride.

Analgesic Composition B INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Oxycodone HCl 5or 7 Acetaminophen 325 Promethazine Hydrochloride 12.5

Example 5

The composition of Example 4 is formulated in the form of a bi-layertablet having an immediate-release layer comprising 12.5 mg ofpromethazine hydrochloride, and having a controlled-release layercomprising 5 or 7.5 mg of oxycodone HCl and 325 mg of acetaminophen.

Example 6

The composition of Example 5 or Example 6 is orally administered withwater to a subject having a tendency to exhibit adverse effects ofopioid administration, such as gastric upset, nausea, vomiting, skinrash, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratory depression. Suchsubjects, upon taking the composition will receive an effective amountof promethazine which will reduce the adverse effects that such a targetpopulation would otherwise exhibit.

Example 7

An abuse safeguard drug formulation comprising Hydrocodone Bitartrate,Acetaminophen and Promethazine Hydrochloride.

Analgesic Composition C INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) HydrocodoneBitartrate 7.5 Acetaminophen 325 Promethazine HCl 12.5 Naltrexone 0.75

Example 8

The composition of Example 7 is formulated in the form of a bi-layeredtablet having an immediate-release layer comprising 12.5 mg ofpromethazine hydrochloride, and having a controlled-release layercomprising 7.5 mg of hydrocodone bitartrate and 325 mg of acetaminophen.

Example 9

The composition of Example 7 or Example 8 is orally administered withwater to a subject having a tendency to exhibit adverse effects ofopioid administration, such as gastric upset, nausea, vomiting, skinrash, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratory depression. Suchsubjects, upon taking the composition will receive an effective amountof promethazine in their blood stream. The promethazine will reduce theadverse effects that such a target population would otherwise exhibit.

Example 10

Example of an abuse safeguard drug formulation comprising Oxycodone HCl,Acetaminophen and Promethazine HCl.

Analgesic Composition D INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Oxycodone HCl 5 or 7.5 Acetaminophen 325 Promethazine HCl 12.5 Naltrexone 0.5 or 0.75

Example 11

The composition of Example 10 is in the form of a bi-layer tablet havingan immediate-release layer comprising 12.5 mg of promethazinehydrochloride, and having a controlled-release layer comprising 5 or 7.5mg of oxycodone HCl and 325 mg of acetaminophen.

Example 12

The composition of Example 10 or Example 11 is orally administered withwater to a subject having a tendency to exhibit adverse effects ofopioid administration, such as gastric upset, nausea, vomiting, skinrash, sedation, CNS depression, or respiratory depression. Suchsubjects, upon taking the composition will receive an effective amountof promethazine in their blood stream. The promethazine will reduce theadverse effects that such a target population would otherwise exhibit.

Example 13

Example of a bi-layer tablet analgesic composition comprisingHydrocodone or a Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salt Thereof, Acetaminophenand Promethazine or a Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salt Thereof.

Controlled Release Layer - Example 13A INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Hydrocodone, or salt thereof 6.5 to 8.5 Acetaminophen, or salt thereof*328 to 402 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 135 to 170 HydroxyMethyl Propyl Cellulose 17 to 23 Magnesium Stearate 1 to 4 Stearic Acid1 to 4 *100% acetaminophen or about 89.5% or 89.05% acetaminophen.

Immediate Release Layer - Example 13A INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Promethazine, or salt thereof 11 to 14 Silicified MicrocrystallineCellulose 100 to 140 Croscarmellose Sodium 12 to 18 Magnesium Stearate0.8 to 1.5

Controlled Release Layer - Example 13B INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Hydrocodone, or salt thereof 7.5 Acetaminophen, or salt thereof* 360Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 152 Hydroxy Methyl PropylCellulose 20 Magnesium Stearate 2.7 Stearic Acid 2.7 *100% acetaminophenor about 89.5% or 89.05% acetaminophen.

Immediate Release Layer - Example 13B INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Promethazine, or salt thereof 12.5 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose121.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 15 Magnesium Stearate 1

Analgesic Composition F1 - Controlled Release Layer (Bottom Layer)INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5Acetaminophen 89.5% 360.5 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 150Hydroxy Methyl Propyl Cellulose 10 Croscarmellose Sodium 23 MagnesiumStearate 1

Analgesic Composition F1 - Immediate Release Layer (Top Layer)INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Promethazine HCL 12.5 Prosolve SMCC(HD90) 121.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 15 Crospovidone NF 15 Avicel PH20021.5 Magnesium Stearate 1

Analgesic Composition F2 - Controlled Release Layer (Bottom Layer)INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5Acetaminophen 89.05% 364.96 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 152.04Hydroxy Methyl Propyl Cellulose 20 Stearic Acid 2.75 Magnesium Stearate2.75

Analgesic Composition F2 - Immediate Release Layer (Top Layer)INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Promethazine HCL 12.5 Prosolve SMCC(HD90) 121.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 15 Magnesium Stearate 1

Example 14

The compositions of Example 13 are orally administered with water to asubject having a tendency to exhibit adverse effects of opioidadministration, such as gastric upset, nausea, vomiting, skin rash,sedation, CNS depression, or respiratory depression. Such subjects, upontaking the compositions will receive an effective amount of promethazinein their blood stream. The promethazine will reduce the adverse effectsthat such a target population would otherwise exhibit.

Example 15 Dissolution Data

Dissolution apparatus was a USP Rotating Paddle Apparatus 2 with anautomated sampling station (e.g., VK-8000 or equivalent). Dissolutionfluid was 900 mL of de-aerated 0.01 N HCl, maintained at 37.0+/−0.5° C.during dissolution procedure. The fluid was prepared by diluting 5 mL ofconcentrated HCl in 6000 mL of de-aerated water, and mixed. To measurepeaks, a dual wavelength detector (e.g., Hitachi L-2420) was used, oralternatively, two separate chromatographic systems can be used in orderto measure the peaks at two different wavelengths.

Standard Solution Preparation: Each ingredient was weighed (e.g., 21 mgof hydrocodone bitartrate) into a 50 mL volumetric flask, and diluted tovolume with dissolution media. The resulting solution was mixed to forma stock solution. Different ingredients were similarly prepared toprovide stock solutions (e.g., promethazine HCl, acetaminophen). 2 mLeach of stock standard solutions were diluted with dissolution fluid andmixed to produce a final standard solution. For example, theconcentration of hydrocodone bitartrate was about 0.0084 mg/mL,promethazine HCl was about 0.014 mg/mL, and acetaminophen was about 0.36mg/mL.

Dissolution test solutions were prepared in 900 mL of 0.01 N HCl usingthe USP Rotating Paddle Apparatus at 50 WM. An aliquot of thedissolution solution was filtered and a 50-pL aliquot waschromatographed on a 50-mm×4.6-mm (i.d.) Waters SunFire™ C₁₈, 3.5-μmparticle size column using a gradient HPLC method. Mobile phase Aconsisted of water/acetonitrile/TFA, 950/50/2 (v/v/v) and mobile phase Bconsisted of water/acetonitrile/TFA, 50/950/1.5 (v/v/v). The flow ratewas 2.0 mL/minute. For example, the amount of acetaminophen released wasdetermined at 300 nm by comparing the area obtained for the peak due toacetaminophen in the chromatogram of the dissolution test solution tothat obtained for the corresponding peak in a chromatogram of a standardsolution. The amount of hydrocodone bitartrate released was determinedat 230 nm by comparing the area obtained for the peak due to hydrocodonebitartrate in the chromatogram of the dissolution test solution to thatobtained for the corresponding peak in a chromatogram of a standardsolution. The amount of promethazine HCl released was determined at 230nm by comparing the area obtained for the peak due to promethazine HClin the chromatogram of the dissolution test solution to that obtainedfor the corresponding peak in a chromatogram of a standard solution.

Paddle speed was 50 rpm; pull volume was 10 mL (no replacement); Pullpoints: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. The amount of eachcomponent dissolved in the dissolution medium was determined by HPLC.The method can use a high purity, bonded C18 stationary phase and abinary mobile phase consisting of an appropriate buffer and organicmodifier.

Dissolution Procedure. 900 mL of dissolution fluid preheated to 37° C.was placed into each vessel. Tablets of Analgesic Composition F.2 abovewere weighed and placed in vessels respectively. At prescribed timeintervals, 5 mL aliquot of the dissolution fluid was drawn using theautomated sampling station equipped with a 35 μm full flow filterconnected to a sampling probe. Filtrate was allowed to cool to roomtemperature, to produce a final sample solution. Fluid withdrawn was notreplaced. Samples were injected in HPLC for analysis after a baselinewas established. Peak area responses were measured for each component:acetaminophen peak eluted at about 1.5 minutes; hydrocodone bitartrateeluted at about 3.3 minutes and promethazine HCl eluted at about 4.8minutes. The resolution between each peak was calculated, as well as thetailing factor. The mean and % RSD values for the acetaminophen peakareas at 300 nm were measured; promethazine HCl and hydrocodonebitartrate at 230 nm. The five replicate injections were not more than2.0% RSD. 50 μL aliquots of standard and sample solutions were subjectedto liquid chromatography. A typical chromatogram of a standard solutionis illustrated in FIG. 1.

The amount of a pharmaceutically active agent in a tablet is determinedby comparing the area obtained for the peak due to the agent in achromatogram of the dissolution test solution to that obtained for thecorresponding peak in a chromatogram of a standard solution. For examplethe standard peaks are provided in FIG. 3, while the test solutions areprovide in FIG. 4.

Example 16

A bi-layer tablet analgesic composition comprising Hydrocodone or aPharmaceutically Acceptable Salt Thereof, Acetaminophen and Promethazineor a Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salt Thereof.

Controlled Release Layer - Example 16A INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Hydrocodone, or salt thereof* 6.5 to 8.5 Acetaminophen, or salt thereof*300 to 402 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 135 to 170 HydroxyMethyl Propyl Cellulose  8 to 23 Magnesium Stearate 1 to 4 Stearic Acid1 to 4 *100% acetaminophen or about 90% acetaminophen. *100% hydrocodoneor about 90% hydrocodone.

Immediate Release Layer - Example 16A INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Promethazine, or salt thereof 11 to 14 Silicified MicrocrystallineCellulose 100 to 140 Croscarmellose Sodium 12 to 18 Magnesium Stearate0.8 to 1.5

Controlled Release Layer - Example 16B INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Hydrocodone, or salt thereof* 7.5 Acetaminophen, or salt thereof* 325Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 149.5 Hydroxy Methyl PropylCellulose 15.5 Magnesium Stearate 2.7 Stearic Acid 2.7 CroscarmelloseSodium 10 *100% acetaminophen or about 90% acetaminophen. *100%hydrocodone or about 90% hydrocodone.

Immediate Release Layer - Example 16B INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Promethazine, or salt thereof 12.5 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose121.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 15 Magnesium Stearate 1

Controlled Release Layer - Example 16C (Bottom Layer) INGREDIENTQUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Hydrocodone bitartrate 8.3 Acetaminophen 90% 361.1Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 149.6 Hydroxy Methyl PropylCellulose 15.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 10 Magnesium Stearate 2.75 StearicAcid 2.75

Immediate Release Layer - Example 16C (Top Layer) INGREDIENTQUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Promethazine, or salt thereof 11 to 14 SilicifiedMicrocrystalline Cellulose 100 to 140 Croscarmellose Sodium 12 to 18Magnesium Stearate 0.8 to 1.5

Example 17

A controlled release bi-layer tablet containing acetaminophen,hydrocodone and promethazine and excipients in the amounts below wasprepared and tested. The dissolution profile results for this bi-layertablet are provided in Table 1.

Controlled Release Layer - Example 17 INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 Hydrocodone Bitartrate 8.3* SilicifiedMicrocrystalline Cellulose 155.1* Hypromellose 2208 - 4M 20 MagnesiumStearate 5712 2.75 Stearic Acid NF Vegetable Grade 2.75 *SilicifiedMicrocrystalline Cellulose was adjusted based on the potency of theHydrocodone Bitartrate. The potency for the lot was calculated to be90.4% (calculated using the assay result and water content).

Immediate Release Layer - Example 17 INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS)Promethazine HCL 12.5 Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 121.5Croscarmellose Sodium 15 Magnesium Stearate 1

TABLE 1 Dissolution Profile Results for Example 17 Results ActiveSpecifications Average (Min-Max) Acetaminophen 35-70% in 5 minutes 49.9(43.0-57.8%) Acetaminophen NLT 65% in 30 minutes 74.0 (69.6-79.2%)Acetaminophen NLT 80% in 60 minutes 82.3 (75.8-90.6%) Hydrocodone 25-60%in 5 minutes 37.1 (28.4-47.9%) Bitartrate Hydrocodone NLT 65% in 30minutes 81.3 (72.1-94.6%) Bitartrate Hydrocodone NLT 80% in 60 minutes93.3 (85.9-107.1%) Bitartrate Promethazine HCL NLT 50% in 5 minutes 93.9(90.2-97.3%) Promethazine HCL NLT 80% in 30 minutes 96.8 (91.7-101.1%)Promethazine HCL NLT 80% in 60 minutes 100.3 (95.9-105.5%)

The formulation of Example 17 was designed to release the promethazineimmediately with the acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate to bereleased slightly slower. As show in Table 1, the dissolution profile ofExample 17 met this goal, however some of the time points for both theacetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate were close to the specificationlimits. Specifically, the individual tablets for the 60 minutetime-point for acetaminophen and the 5 minute time point for hydrocodonebitartrate were near the lower limits. FIG. 6 provides a graphicalrepresentation of the dissolution profile results for Example 17.

Example 18

Formulation design experiments were developed and run to optimize theproduct formulation to release the promethazine HCl faster than theacetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrate. Initial tests showed that thedissolution profile was sensitive to hardness. Specifically, higherhardness tablets were releasing acetaminophen and hydrocodone bitartrateslower than the lower hardness tablet.

A product batch was manufactured at 9 kP tablet hardness. However, thisseemed low for 700 mg tablets so as part of the formulation optimizationthe tablet hardness was increased from 9 kP to 12.5 KP. The focus of theformulation was on the acetaminophen/hydrocodone bitartrate layer of thebi-layer tablet. The total weight of the acetaminophen/hydrocodonebitartrate layer was held constant at 550 mgs by adjusting the level ofsilicified microcrystalline cellulose to compensate for the varyingamounts of hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose and croscarmellose sodium ineach of the formulations. The same promethazine layer blend was used asthe second layer in each run and compressed at 150 mg per table for eachrun.

Example 18 Promethazine Immediate Release Layer

INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Promethazine HCL 12.5 SilicifiedMicrocrystalline Cellulose 121.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 15.0 MagnesiumStearate 1.0

Example 18 Run 1

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 13.5 6.50 (12.5-14.3)(6.47-6.52) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 171.4 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 5 — — Croscarmellose Sodium5 — —

Example 18 Run 2

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.2 6.70 (11.0-13.2)(6.67-6.72) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 156 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 20 — — CroscarmelloseSodium 5 — —

Example 18 Run 3\

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.4 6.88 (11.3-14.1)(6.66-6.72) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 164.6 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 18 — — CroscarmelloseSodium 1.5 — —

Example 18 Run 4\

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.8 6.65 (11.6-14.2)(6.64-6.66) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 158.9 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 12.5 — — CroscarmelloseSodium 10 — —

Example 18 Run 5\

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.3 6.69 (10.2-14.3)(6.62-6.77) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 164.5 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 12.5 — — CroscarmelloseSodium 5 — —

Example 18 Run 6\

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.0 6.70 (11.3-12.6)(6.63-6.76) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 172.9 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 7 — — Croscarmellose Sodium1.5 — —

Example 18 Run 7\

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.5 6.62 (11.3-13.8)(6.58-6.66) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 165.9 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 7 — — Croscarmellose Sodium8.5 — —

Example 18 Run 8

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.2 6.63 (11.2-13.2)(6.61-6.64) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 163.9 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 12.5 — — CroscarmelloseSodium 5 — —

Example 18 Run 9

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 11.9 6.66 (11.1-13.2)(6.64-6.68) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 168.4 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 12.5 — — CroscarmelloseSodium 0 — —

Example 18 Run 10

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.2 6.66 (11.2-13.1)(6.64-6.70) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 154.9 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 18 — — CroscarmelloseSodium 8.5 — —

Example 18 Run 11

HARDNESS THICKNESS QUANTITY/ (KP) (MM) TABLET AVG AVG. INGREDIENT (MGS)(RANGE) (RANGE) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 12.3 6.65 (11.7-13.1)(6.62-6.66) Hydrocodone Bitartrate 7.5 — — Silicified 163.9 — —Microcrystalline Cellulose Hypromellose 2208 12.5 — — CroscarmelloseSodium 5 — —

Table 2 below shows the acetaminophen (APAP) and hydrocodone bitartrate(HB) dissolution profile results for the three time points focused on inthe design experiment.

TABLE 2 APAP HB APAP HB APAP HB @ 5 min @ 5 min @ 30 min @ 30 min @ 60min @ 60 min Target Range Run # 35-70% 25-60% NLT 65% NLT 65% NLT 80%NLT 80% 1 83 88.7 90.1 100.6 93.8 105.3 2 44.7 29.9 75.6 81.1 85.2 94.53 51.7 39.6 76.7 80.0 84.5 91.2 4 64.0 52.1 96.9 98.8 97.8 99.7 5 71.659.0 96.2 98.7 96.7 99.6 6 83.4 91.3 88.6 97.8 91.9 100.8 7 89.2 98.392.4 100.7 94.8 101.5 8 68.7 57.1 85.5 86.8 91.3 93.5 9 76.9 69.8 93.295.8 95.2 98.8 10 45.5 30.1 80.0 83.1 89.9 96.0 11 73.6 63.6 96.6 100.595.1 98.2

FIG. 7 graphically depicts the acetaminophen dissolution results for allof the runs in Example 18. Example 18—run 2 had the slowestacetaminophen release and contained the highest amount of HPMC (20mg/tablet). Example 18—run 4, which contained 10 mg croscarmellosesodium, was among the fastest for release of acetaminophen at 30 minutesand 60 minutes, but was among the slowest at 5 minutes.

FIG. 8 graphically depicts the hydrocodone bitartrate dissolutionresults for all of the runs in Example 18. Example 18—run 2 and Example18—run 10 released slower than the other runs at 5 minutes. However, at30 and 60 minutes Example 18—run 3 was the slowest.

Statistical analysis of the results showed that the Hypromellosesignificantly affected the dissolution profile of both Acetaminophen andHydrocodone Bitartrate at every time point. Croscarmellose Sodium had nosignificant effect on APAP or HR. HPMC had a significant effect onAcetaminophen at only 30 and 60 minutes. While HPMC significantlyaffects dissolution profile for Acetaminophen, it did not affectHydrocodone Bitartrate dissolution significantly. The optimizedformulation based on the predictive equations yielded about 15.6 mgHypromellose and 10 mg Croscarmellose Sodium in the controlled releaselayer.

Example 19

Based on the results from Example 18 a bi-layer tablet with optimizedhydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and croscarmellose amounts was prepared.

Example 19 Immediate Release Layer (Top Layer)

INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Promethazine HCL 12.5 SilicifiedMicrocrystalline Cellulose 121.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 15 MagnesiumStearate 1

Example 19 Controlled Release Layer (Bottom Layer)

INGREDIENT QUANTITY/TABLET (MGS) Acetaminophen 90% 361.1 HydrocodoneBitartrate USP CII 8.3* Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose 149.6*Hypromellose 2208 15.5 Croscarmellose Sodium 10.0 Magnesium Stearate2.75 Stearic Acid NF 2.75 *The label claim for Hydrocodone BitartrateUSP CII is 7.5 mgs. Silicified Microcrystalline Cellulose is adjustedbased on the potency of the Hydrocodone Bitartrate. The potency for thelost was calculated to be 90.4% (calculated using assay results andwater content).

While particular embodiments described herein have been shown anddescribed herein, such embodiments are provided by way of example only.Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to thoseskilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should beunderstood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the inventiondescribed herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It isintended that the following claims define the scope of the invention andthat methods and structures within the scope of these claims and theirequivalents be covered thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition in the form of abi-layer tablet comprising: (1) an immediate release layer comprising:(a) about 5 mgs to about 20 mgs of promethazine or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, (b) about 75 mgs to about 150 mgs of silicifiedmicrocrystalline cellulose, (c) about 5 mgs to about 20 mgs ofcroscarmellose sodium, and (d) about 0.2 mgs to about 5 mgs of magnesiumstearate; and (2) a controlled release layer comprising: (a) about 250mgs to about 400 mgs of acetaminophen, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, (b) about 2 mgs to about 15 mgs of hydrocodone, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, (c) about 100 mgs to about 250mgs of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, (d) about 5 mgs to about30 mgs of hydroxy methyl propyl cellulose, (e) about 0.5 mgs to about 5mgs magnesium stearate, and (f) about 0.5 mgs to about 10 mgs stearicacid.
 2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein: (1) theimmediate release layer comprises: (a) about 12.5 mgs of promethazineHCL, (b) about 121 mgs of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, (c)about 15 mgs of croscarmellose sodium, and (d) about 1 mg of magnesiumstearate; and (2) the controlled release layer comprises: (a) about 361mgs of acetaminophen, (b) about 8 mgs of hydrocodone bitartrate, (c)about 155 mgs of silicified microcrystalline cellulose, (d) about 20 mgsof hydroxy methyl propyl cellulose, (e) about 2.75 mgs magnesiumstearate, and (f) about 2.75 mgs stearic acid.
 3. The pharmaceuticalcomposition of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least about 90% of thepromethazine is released within the first 10 minutes.
 4. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein at least about 90% of thepromethazine is released within the first 5 minutes.
 5. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein less than about 80% ofthe acetaminophen is released within the first 30 minutes.
 6. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein less than about 80%of the hydrocodone is released within the first 30 minutes.
 7. Thepharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein said bilayer tablet has ahardness of between about 7 and about 15 kp.
 8. The pharmaceuticalcomposition of claim 1 or 2, wherein said bilayer tablet has a hardnessof about 12 kp.
 9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, whereinsaid immediate release layer has a faster dissolution rate than saidcontrolled release layer.
 10. A method of treating or preventing pain ordiscomfort in a subject in need thereof by administering apharmaceutical composition of claim
 1. 11. The method of claim 10,wherein said subject experiences a reduction in a symptom associatedwith the administration of hydrocodone.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein said symptom associated with the administration of hydrocodoneis nausea, vomiting, gastric upset, skin rash or an allergic reaction.13. The method of claim 10, wherein the subject is 0-12 years old. 14.The method of claim 10, wherein the subject is about age 65 or older.15. The method of claim 10, wherein said discomfort is a headache. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the headache is a migraine headache,cluster headache, hemicrania continua headache, chronic headache,tension headache or chronic tension headache.
 17. The method of claim10, wherein said discomfort is photophobia.
 18. The method of claim 10,wherein said pain is acute pain.
 19. The method of claim 10, whereinsaid pain is chronic pain.